Partial Knee Replacement

[rojam]

I was medically separated in Oct. of 2006 after 13 years of service due to left and right knee problems. I was discharged with severance pay and a 20% disability rating. The rating was for: chronic right knee pain and instability status & post posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and graft. My left knee was considered unfitting but non-compensable or ratable. I submitted my claim to the VA in Oct. of 2006. After going back and fourth with them for over a year(they lost my original medical records) they rated me at 10% in 2008 for my right knee only.

As of today, I'm currently rated at 40% but only 10% for my right knee and 0% for my left knee. I've been fighting the VA consistently since 2006 about my KNEES. I currently have an ongoing appeal with them for both of my knees. This appeal started in 2008. I submitted more than enough information to have my rating raised but the VA seems to think that there is nothing wrong with me.

As of 11/18/2009, I had a partial right knee replacement (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty of the Knee) based on pictures from UCLA surgery in Jul of 2006(I was still in the military). After I recover from this surgery, I'll have to get the same procedure on my left knee. This is a fairly new procedure that can prevent a TKR. Good website to view for info http://www.vjortho.com/cgi/content/abstract/5099.

I applied for temporary 100% disability but I was told that I have to wait until my appeal is over with before they can start my claim. Is this true?

Being that I have prosthesis in my knee, am I entitled to 100% disability for 1 year based on the VASRD code 5055(prosthetic implants).

Thanks