Can I Increase My Shoulder Rating?

[Marine One]

I received a 10% rating (never had shoulder surgery before this rating) from the VA for my left shoulder, when I retired back in 2006. The rating read: "service connection for residuals, left shoulder strain is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent." After retirement, the pain continued in my shoulder day and night, making it difficult to sleep, get dressed and my range of motion has decreased. In 2007 I received a steroid shot in the shoulder (private doctor) but there was no relief. In 2009 I had surgery in the shoulder to relief the problems (same private doctor). This is was the post operative diagnoses: 1. arthroscopic extensive debridement, 2. partial rotator cuff tear, 3. synovitis. The surgery didn't work and the pain has never left. The original problems with the shoulder are still there and I am frustrated with the doctors inability to get this resolved. I am not having any more surgeries in fear of making it worse. I have not followed up on this since the surgery and just live with the pain and discomfort.

Can I get a shoulder rate increased from 10% with the surgery findings alone?

thanks.

[sharon]

Yes you can apply for an increase. If you were convelesanting for more than 21 day you can also apply for temporary 100% for that period.

[Marine One]

Even though I haven't followed up since 2009? Wow.

I already have an appointment to see the local VA rep. Nov 2. My hope is this will take me over 100% total rating.

If there anything I should keep in mind when applying for the increase?

thanks for the quick reply.

[Pete53]

The VAwill handle a request for increase fairly quickly be sure and look out for C&P and go to it. Also respond with any documents that they request,.

Getting and increase is usually much easier than your initial claim.

Good luck.

[Marine One]

pete: you dont think that theres been too much time since my last surgery to apply for the rate increase?