tk3000

During my third compensation exam for my left leg condition it was decided that my rating remains the same (30%). I have a leg that goes from my knee down to my ankle with pins, screws, etc. Chronic pain with flare ups, difficult of mobility, flexibility, etc. 30% seems very unfair (for what I am going to appeal. I attached an except (as an image file) of the "Reason for Decision" that inform the reason/code: It can be noticed that the so called "Reason for Decision" also mentions my ankle disability for what my Compensation and Pension Examiner clearly identified, stated, and wrote on her report as another disability that was not known then and therefore should have a proper rating of its own: the pain issue in my left ankle. But the rater simply included the ankle issue as part of my left knee disability (which was always centered on my knee cap and region close to knee cap for the most part). When I called the Regional Office they told me that I should file a new claim for my left ankle. But my question is: "if the left ankle is somewhat included into my general left leg disability (even though it does not receive any rating), 'wouldn't there be some conflict?'" And how should I proceed in such case. Thanks a lot for any enlightment. tk3000

Thanks Ricky and jbasser. I called them today and for my surprise they told me that my claim was completed and that a letter was sent to me today (which I should receive soon). But I did not like the outcome that much: 10%. It was a claim for Gerd due to intense and frequent use of nsaid (pain killers). Considering the symptoms and severity I believe that I should have been awarded at least 20% if not 30%. I will wait until the awarding letter arrives. Hopefully I will not have to wait 16 weeks for payments either as you Ricky, and that your payment will be processed very soon!

Hello, I believe that such question have been asked before but I was looking around and was lost in an ocean of information without a specific answer. If one has 30% disability and is granted 10% for a secondary disability (related to the primary disability) as far as payment/benefit is concerned should one receive 40% or the equivalent to 10% added up to 30%? thanks tk3000

Hello, I already had my C&P Exam, etc, for a gerd condition. Over a month ago I contacted the VA via the IRIS and called them I was told that the rating decision had been made and that I should receive a letter shortly (couple of weeks). That " shortly" has been going on for over a month now and whenever I call the VA they tell me the same story. Would anyone knows what happens after the rating decision? Why would it take so long? Thanks, tk3000

halos2 and Berta thanks for the advising, hints, and information. I am working on my gerd claim as of now: gathering medical records (from VA and private doctors), reports from credible sources about the relation between gerd and nsaid (pain killers), etc. Concomitantly I am also working on leg condition claim for what I have another C&P exam schedule soon for that condition as well, so I am also trying to have gather medical records and documents, and have appointments with doctor to check out the state of such condition and thus have more elements to substantiate my claim. Thanks! tk

Thanks, cowgirl! Yeah, I have been recommended a brace a long time ago by the orthopedics doctor that I was seen, and to be honest back then I did not even knew what a brace was back then For heartburn I was taking omeprazole, and now I am taking zantac. I take it daily, and even under medication I still have severe heartburn (to the point that it even difficult to breath properly sometimes). Good luck with your next claim!

I developed GERD/heartburn about the same time that I start to take meds to control the pain, and now it seems to never go away. Yeah, I have been taking medication for gerd for about 4 years now (and such med is provided by the VA as well). I have tried different medication and combinations of medication for heartburn without much success. I am trying to get the GERD under control, having stopped pain meds for sometime, tried different pain meds, diets, etc. I will have the exams you mentioned (endoscopy) to see if there is something else going on, but I am periodically seen by my primary physician and he always says that is just gerd.

Thanks for the welcoming, Pete. Sorry about the delay in my response (I was away). My experience with the rating board (or individuals that rate the claims) are at least problematic. They seem to have no knowledge of medicine or law. For instance on my last C&P exam the doctor clearly identified, stated, and reported the fact I also have an issue and pain with the left ankle, and apparently the rating decision completely ignored such important aspect of my C&P which should receive a rating of its own (according to the C&P doctor). The rating decision only mention the leg as a whole. I reported such issue to the VA via the Iris's system (VA's website) and they arranged for to have another C&P exam in about a month. That thing of brace first came to my attention about 3 years ago (the last time I saw the orthopedics doctor) when the orthopedics doctor told me that I could use a brace to help me coping with the pain the general locomotion issues. I haven't seen a specialist ever since. And the last two review of my left leg condition mention the need of a brace or another thing in order to have a higher rating. I never used a brace before, but I did some research and reading about it, so I certainly would give it a try. And if that fulfills the VA's requirement to have a more realistic approach to my problem as far as compensation goes, even better. tk

I have received the outcome of the review of my left leg condition (leg was broken in 2004, having had a compound fracture, with extensive surgery and the implant of a rod, screws, pins, etc). Now I have chronic pain specially in my knee and also in other parts of my leg. The outcome of the review of my claim was the continuation of the current rating: 30%. Which seems very unfair for me. According to the report, one would only be eligible for a higher rating if a brace was required (one may even be needed in deed when the winter comes and the pain level increases). What should I do to have a more favorable and fair rating: should I appeal the claim, if yes what kind of support evidence should I include? Also I have new claim entitled "heartburn secondary to left knee condition". Which basically consist in a several heartburn and acid reflux that I have developed since I started to take pain medications (four years ago) and seems to never go away. What should I expect of that claim? Thanks for any help Tk