[20 years and 80%]

Today I made it to 20 years with 80% VA disability. Thanks to Hadit and its contributors!

[Total Knee Replacement claim advice.]

I have a question that perplexes me. I am 100% Permanent and Total for a total of 13 disabilities. I had a total knee replacement after many years of dealing with my arthritic 10% rated knee. i had the TKR in January 2020. I didn't tell regional office anything because I believe in let sleeping dogs lie quietly. However I do know that the VA hospital where I had surgery let the regional office know I had surgery for a service connected knee. I understand that the minimum rating after being reevaluated is 30%. Will they automatically contact me at the 13 month mark for a C&P exam? If so, are they limited to look at the knee only?  Will they service connect for the TKR related scar? Just curious! I was already 100% so nothing changed after the surgery although if rated different I could have 100% total temporary perhaps given. I do not want to screw what I already have so any advice what or how this works will help me.

[Total knee replacement physical therapy.]

I just had a total knee replacement 3 weeks ago. I had 2 weeks in home physical therapy. I finished the in home physical therapy and today started physical therapy at VA. Just wondered how long you guys who had total knee replacement went to VA  physical therapy before they were released after maximum treatment? I will be going twice a week.

[Review of hospitalization?]

I am 100% p&t and just had a knee replacement on previous 10% service connected right knee that has service connection of 23 years. I also have one disability rated 70% and another rated 60% as well as others at lower amounts. I looked on ebenefits and it says I have a claim in for review of hospitalization that I didn't initiate. Do I now qualify for SMC S or another SMC? Should I be worried about my 100% p&t? Do I need to be doing something? Thoughts? Advice? Game plans? Help?!!? It was total knee replacement.

[VA Hospital to VARO surgery update?]

Thank you GBArmy and Broncovet! You have taken a load of worry off of my mind! My wife will be with me to take care of me (God Bless Her) for the next couple of months and I know to really do those exercises. The doctor who is doing my surgery is supposed to be very good. I will be glad when this is behind me. I have tried to set up as much as possible to be taken care of for me temporarily.

[VA Hospital to VARO surgery update?]

I am having a total knee replacement of my service connected right knee which has been rated at 10% for more than 20 years. I am currently 100% permanent and total. I have no desire to put in for an increase but I am curious if anyone knows if the VA hospital contacts the VA regional office every time you have surgery for a service connected injury to let them know of the change in physical condition of disability.  I still have 13 years to go to have my 100% rating for the 20 year rule. Can everyone bounce back to me what exactly I should be thinking about or am I concerned about nothing? Thanks!

[unable to provide an estimated completion date]

My claim went back and forth, back and forth. Almost everyday it changes but I wouldn't worry about it.

[100% PT Came here at 30%, now look at me]

Congratulations!

[Be Nice]

I agree with this totally. In my twenty plus years dealing with the VA I have found being mean almost always hurts you. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be assertive. Be assertive. An air of confidence doesn't hurt either.

[Is DRO worth it anymore?]

I won a service connected 70% disability for a single injury. I won a DRO review. As long as your evidence is strong you will win. You lose appeal to BVA. One more chance to bite the apple.

[Is DRO worth it anymore?]

I won a DRO review with no hearing. I am definitely for DRO.

[20 year rule]

Yeah I have been 100% Permanent and Total for two years. It took 25 years to get there. I fought with the VA constantly.

[VA keeps stating a condition was not incurred in service]

When it gets to this point and I have definitely been in your shoes I would write to my congressman and ask if they would submit your evidence that they say they don't have or that they ignore. It worked for me for my Bipolar Disorder and I got a high rating through a Decision Review Officer appeal.

[20 year rule]

Today I hit exactly 20 years rule for my disabilities for a total of 70% service connection. I was sweating it the last few months. Glad that milestone has been reached. I have 17 years to go to be at 20 year rule for 100%. Thanks Hadit for all the good info and advice.

[100% as of today]

Congratulations!

[Doctor change request at VAMC]

I wrote my Congressman to get my doctor changed. I am happy with new doctor.

[Bipolar / Depression C&P Exam Thoughts + Timeline]

Send your letter to the regional office processing your claim. If you don't know which one because you have a veteran service officer processing your claim check with them. Keep a copy of letter.

[Bipolar / Depression C&P Exam Thoughts + Timeline]

I think you have a good chance of getting to 100% with this exam and your other disabilities. I think there is a good chance you might be rated as high as 70% for mental health. Don't wait on P&T. Type a letter up short and sweet telling them you are applying for permanent and total. My c&p was similar to yours and I got 70% for bipolar disorder.

[New secretary email works]

I just tried it. We will see.

[Nothing IN STONE!!!!!!]

I would be thankful because you will be paid at 100%. I can see no benefit for you for pursuing any other claims. Best to let sleeping dogs lay quietly.

[MAJOR DREPRESSIVE DISORDERS]

Contact your primary care doctor and see if we will set you up with mental health visit. Get a copy of your enlisted records and medical records and talk to a veterans service officer. You don't have to be a member to get help from American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, etc. They file claims for veterans all the time.

[DONT DO DRO IF VSO ASKS]

I disagree. I won at DRO. The DRO review gives a "Fresh Eyes" look at evidence. It also gives you one extra attempt at success. Mine took 2 years start to finish. All time paid in retro check.

[Can my Thai GF of 3 years submit evidence for my claim?]

If it was me I would have her write a statement and have her go with you to any review or c&p exam. Present the statement to whoever is providing the review and submit the statement to whatever Regional office or whoever has asked for a review. Normally it is the regional office who sets up the c&p exam. If and when you mail it make sure that they sign something that shows that they received it. In the United States it is usually a certified letter and the mail people return a green card showing a signature of who received it. Keep a copy of the stuff you submitted and staple or attach the original statement and keep it for your records.

[100% P&T I can't get an appointment or treatment.]

Well, to update you I have finally been told I will be assigned a new primary care physician. I am happy with this decision. I consider this matter closed for now.

[NEW VA SECRETARY 1-11-17]

Supposedly he was good in running civilian hospital.