One Claim In, Other Needs Done, Advice?

[cowgirl]

Just wonderin'.

I have a iu claim in and c&p to be done, but I need to service connect other issues. These are orthotic, becoming more painful&problematic and new footwear I need costs alot. Other ailments include knees and back, though sc connected, I believe they truly are worsening because of the feet.

Thank you for your thoughts

cg.

[free_spirit_etc]

What kind of feet problems are you having? Are you sure they are getting worse because of your feet? I guess it could be a which came first thing. Is it possible the knee and back problems aren't causing your feet problems? Just wondering - because then the feet would be secondary SC. --They are all interconnected and can affect each other.

http://www.hss.edu/newsroom_11280.asp

Avoid Running into Trouble: Orthotics Can Cause Problems if Improperly Prescribed

New York, NY—July 1, 1999

Orthotics, or orthopedic shoe inserts, can be useful devices. But if improperly prescribed they can lead to pain and discomfort, and even cause serious injury, warns Rock Positano, DPM, a foot and ankle specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Positano cites the case of a patient whose mail-order orthotics resulted in a broken bone in each foot. The patient thought the devices would provide support for his running. They landed him in Dr. Positano’s office instead.

"Orthotics are like prescription drugs," Dr. Positano explains. "When indicated and prescribed correctly, they are beneficial to the user. When unnecessary or prescribed incorrectly, they can be dangerous." Some over-the-counter orthotics may exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions, Dr. Positano says. Those at particular risk are people with heel pain, achilles tendon pain, back or knee problems, or those who have a high arch foot type or flat feet. Exercise enthusiasts who engage in high impact or high velocity sports often buy orthotics to provide support or serve as shock absorbers. That, too, can spell trouble.

Orthotics are not used to correct foot and ankle problems. Health care professionals prescribe them to stabilize a joint, reduce pain, prevent deformity, provide better positioning or improve the biomechanical function of the foot, according to Dr. Positano. They work by removing pressure and stress from painful areas in the foot and ankle. Custom orthotics, which may also be useful in alleviating knee, hip and lower back pain, should not be confused with the prefabricated models found in shoe stores, ski and skate shops, pharmacies and sporting goods stores, Dr. Positano advises. There is a tremendous difference in quality and effectiveness.

"Orthotics alter the way a person walks, stands and absorbs shock from the ground," he says. "Anyone wishing to use them should have a good reason and be sure to consult a professional with the proper training and credentials, such as a podiatrist." He or she will ask about any medical problems or pain the person may have. The health professional will also consider gait analysis, orthopedic issues, level of activity, the type of activity, foot type, and biomechanics, which refers to ankle, knee and hip movement. X-rays may be taken, as well.

When prescribed responsibly and used correctly, orthotics can be extremely helpful. It’s important for patients to follow the doctor’s instructions on when to wear them to obtain the greatest benefit, according to Dr. Positano.

Just wonderin'.

I have a iu claim in and c&p to be done, but I need to service connect other issues. These are orthotic, becoming more painful&problematic and new footwear I need costs alot. Other ailments include knees and back, though sc connected, I believe they truly are worsening because of the feet.

Thank you for your thoughts

cg.

[rentalguy1]

CG...wait for the IU claim to wrap up first, otherwise you will be tacking a lot of time on to a claim that could be wrapped up quickly. After the dust settles, then file for the feet as secondary to the SC'd knee and back problems, and simultaneously file for an increase on those two as well.

[cowgirl]

Thanks free and rental, things are getting progressively worse in the feet department, so I've been getting concerned. Rental, I will post again when time comes closer for me to submit the claim. I want to keep things in the correct order, had knee issue, then feet/ankles, then back. So, I will wait the claim out for just now.

Thanks again,

cg

[free_spirit_etc]

I would think they would / could be all inter-related. And if the back and knee are already granted SC, then it might be easier to get the feet & ankles SC as secondary - as long as a doctor says it is as likely as not that the knee and back problems could have caused the foot problems.

Free

Thanks free and rental, things are getting progressively worse in the feet department, so I've been getting concerned. Rental, I will post again when time comes closer for me to submit the claim. I want to keep things in the correct order, had knee issue, then feet/ankles, then back. So, I will wait the claim out for just now.

Thanks again,

cg