(Note: this is a second "copy-paste" post from Welcome aboard forum)
Hey all... I was in the Army from 96-97 (little over 1 yr and 5 months)... I shattered my knee during an FTX in Guatemala, where I tore my patella tendon from my tibia and the tibia shattered in 3 places about 1/4'' from my kneecap, ruptured my plantaris muscle, and small fracture in my ankle as well as a slight tear of my achilles (all in right leg). I had surgery on the knee and plantaris muscle, where they put in a grafting using a "new" technique (I was told I was the 2nd one done in a military hospital) to restructure the tibia. After 2 months of therapy (still in military) I tried doing PT whereas I could no longer run at full speed, thus my inability to "pass" my PT (of course situps and push ups never a problem)... During my medical hold evaluation I was told I could Chapter 2 Med Discharge, but it would take months and I would have to stay in the MEdical hold barracks at Ft Stewart, OR I could take a Chapter 13 - unsatisfactory performance due to medical condition and discharge immediately (days to weeks)... now being 19 at the time and not knowing better, I opted out so I could rehab more with a civilian doctor. I didn't receive ANYTHING from the VA for 3 months upon discharge because I had no idea of the avenues to take or who to talk to. FINALLY got in to see a VA worker. My first P&T went by and they evaluated me and gave me SC 0%... ?????? WTH? LOL... they basically told me I was still able to walk so no %, but it WAS SC... over the years, my knee started deteriorating and buckling and constant arthritis to it. The ankle was getting worse, and because the injury was causing a poor gait, my lower back was getting messed up. In 2009, AFTER 4 years of appeals, I was awarded 40% for 3 problems, ankle, knee and back. NOW, (in 2012 when I re-applied a claim) I am literally using a cane 24-7, cant bend over, knee in a brace, ankle/knee swells daily 4x +, pain is 10+ daily, back is continually in knots, and due to the injury and inability to do ANYTHING, I have been diagnosed with Anxiety/Depression secondary to a SC medical condition. My question is this... My claim has been in VA since 12/12 and it JUST now went to "Preparations fr Decision - Rating Phase"... what am I looking at, as NOW i'm wondering if I should contact an attorney.... any ideas??? questions to help me...??? Does it look promising being this is the 6th time I have appealed or re-claimed for an injury I had no control over... and my lifestyle is now shot, losing my family (wife of 12 years) because I can't offer any support in any manner... I cant even play soccer with my young daughter... THIS IS KILLING ME!!!