[Does Va Recognize Hypertension Progression]

Question for anybody. Thanks.

I had 10% SC hypertension 2 years ago on retirement. The hypertension has progressed to hypertensive heart disease (left enlarged ventiicular with ejection fraction of 47%).

Is it possible that the origional award of 10% could be upgraded since this is a progression of the origional hypertension? Have all the reports to support the latest findings are hypertension related.

Yes hypertension heart disease is rated at 30% put your claim in as soon as possible

[Where Are All The Experts Please Tell Me What Ami To Do]

Please help I'm major confused now.

1.) I had Knee Arthroscopic on July 16 2009 to repair left knee meniscus tear, during the operation it was noted the I had Grade three to four Chondromalacia of the trochlear groove.

2.) On July 27 2009, I had Left Sided Hemilaminectomy for decompression. Discectomy at the L5-S1 to remove disc fragments, Posterior Lumbar Fusion was conducted

In Aug I submitted a claim to the VA for a increase in the left knee due to the grade of Chondromalacia and also Conv for both the knee and the back. I sent all required paperwork Post operative reports for both surgeries. I had a C/P exam in Fayetteville on 21 Aug 2009.

Then on Aug 19 2009 they sent me another letter stating: We are working on your claim for your left knee temp 100% conv also Temp 100% for back surgery. Now the added chonndromalacia right knee and restless leg syndrome, I had not asked for these additional items. I got letter from my primary Care doctor, letters from my wife and myself in regards to the restless leg syndrome stating it had not got worse and the had doubled my medication for same. The also set me up with an appointment with the Va hospital to have another C/P exam for my right knee. Which I attended on 21 August 2009.

I called the 1-800 number last week they stated that my paperwork was at the rater and that he was requesting another C/P exam letter to do a EMG/Nerve Study. I called the VA Hospital and talked to the lady there and she stated that they had received the paperwork and it is scheduled for Dec 1 2009.

Now today I receive a letter in the mail and it states the follow:

"We continue working on your claim that was submitted on Aug 7, 2009. However, our letter to you dated Aug 19 2009 and Sept 17 2009 failed to give you information regarding your claim for Temp 100% rating for Back and Knee surgery. And also your claim for restless leg syndrome secondary to your service-connected back condition."

I don't understand I have already each time sent all of this paperwork. What the hell is going on. Can anyone tell me what is going on. I don't understand. Is the anyway to call the rater, and ask if he has all the paperwork

From what i'm Reading your paperwork is being processed,part of that process is that they have requested on your behalf a temporary rating for your knee and back of 100% that is good because the conditions you have you deserve a 100% rating. if you have submitted all of your paperwork to the VA you're OK it appears that more than likely you are going to get your temporary 100% and then in the future you will have to go to another C&P for them to decide if your condition has improved if it's about the same more than likely you will then get your 100% to become permanent. Your claim looks good just make sure you go to any appointments they ask you to go to.And keep all your paperwork in one location where you can get it when needed.Also the additional items they are looking at is a good thing,let them look at everything they want to it will benefit you.and anytime you send in paperwork make sure you keep a copy for yourself.

[Letter From Qtc]

By coincidence, I already had an appointment scheduled with my cardiologist. I had a CT scan performed today. I guess I'll find out soon what's going on in my chest.

As for requesting a copy of the C&P exam findings from the VA -- won't that slow down my claim processing? I'm hoping that they wrap things up pretty soon; they have everything that they need. I'm afraid that if I contact the VA about getting a copy of the C&P exam, they will take my file and sit it in a large pile full of other records requests.

when requesting a copy of your C&P exam send in a release of information form 10-5345 to the VA hospital that performed the C&P because they keep a copy in your medical record there.And it should have nothing to do with the processing of your claim.