C&p Results

[SSG O]

Can anyone tell me if i will received benefits for my knees? I was 0% SC for my knees for retropatellar pain syndrome in 2006, refiled in Dec 2013 for the same problem but had MRI and condition worsened to Chondromalacia lateral tibial plateau.

4. Initial range of motion (ROM) measurements

---------------------------------------------

a. Right knee flexion

Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 140 degrees):

[ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25

[ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55

[ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85

[ ] 90 [ ] 95 [ ] 100 [ ] 105 [ ] 110 [ ] 115

[ ] 120 [ ] 125 [ ] 130 [X] 135 [ ] 140 or greater

Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins:

[ ] No objective evidence of painful motion

[ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25

[ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55

[ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85

[ ] 90 [ ] 95 [ ] 100 [ ] 105 [ ] 110 [ ] 115

[ ] 120 [ ] 125 [ ] 130 [X] 135 [ ] 140 or greater

b. Right knee extension

Select where extension ends:

[X] 0 or any degree of hyperextension (check this box if there is

no limitation of extension)

Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins:

[X] No objective evidence of painful motion

c. Left knee flexion

Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 140 degrees):

[ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25

[ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55

[ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85

[ ] 90 [ ] 95 [ ] 100 [ ] 105 [ ] 110 [ ] 115

[ ] 120 [ ] 125 [X] 130 [ ] 135 [ ] 140 or greater

Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins:

[ ] No objective evidence of painful motion

[ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25

[ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55

[ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85

[ ] 90 [ ] 95 [ ] 100 [ ] 105 [ ] 110 [ ] 115

[ ] 120 [ ] 125 [X] 130 [ ] 135 [ ] 140 or greater

d. Left knee extension

Select where extension ends:

[X] 0 or any degree of hyperextension (check this box if there is

no limitation of extension)

Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins:

[X] 0 or any degree of hyperextension (check this box if there is

no limitation of extension)

e. If ROM does not conform to the normal range of motion identified above

but is normal for this Veteran (for reasons other than a knee and/or leg

condition, such as age, body habitus, neurologic disease), explain:

n/a

5. ROM measurements after repetitive use testing

------------------------------------------------

a. Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with 3 repetitions?

[ ] Yes [X] No

If unable, provide reason:

discomfort

6. Functional loss and additional limitation in ROM

---------------------------------------------------

a. Does the Veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the knee and lower

leg following repetitive-use testing?

[ ] Yes [X] No

b. Does the Veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of

the knee and lower leg?

[X] Yes [ ] No

c. If the Veteran has functional loss, functional impairment or additional

limitation of ROM of the knee and lower leg after repetitive use, indicate

the contributing factors of disability below (check all that apply and

indicate side affected):

[X] Less movement than normal [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both

[X] Pain on movement [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both

[X] Swelling [ ] Right [X] Left [ ] Both

7. Pain (pain on palpation)

---------------------------

Does the Veteran have tenderness or pain to palpation for joint line or soft

tissues of either knee?

[X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, side affected: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both

8. Muscle strength testing

--------------------------

Rate strength according to the following scale:

0/5 No muscle movement

1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement

2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated

3/5 Active movement against gravity

4/5 Active movement against some resistance

5/5 Normal strength

Knee flexion:

Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5

Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5

Knee extension:

Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5

Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5

9. Joint stability tests

------------------------

a. Anterior instability (Lachman test):

Right: [X] Normal [ ] 1+ (0-5 millimeters)

[ ] 2+ (5-10 millimeters) [ ] 3+ (10-15 millimeters)

Left: [X] Normal [ ] 1+ (0-5 millimeters)

[ ] 2+ (5-10 millimeters) [ ] 3+ (10-15 millimeters)

b. Posterior instability (Posterior drawer test):

Right: [X] Normal [ ] 1+ (0-5 millimeters)

[ ] 2+ (5-10 millimeters) [ ] 3+ (10-15 millimeters)

Left: [X] Normal [ ] 1+ (0-5 millimeters)

[ ] 2+ (5-10 millimeters) [ ] 3+ (10-15 millimeters)

c. Medial-lateral instability (Apply valgus/varus pressure to knee in

extension and 30 degrees of flexion):

Right: [X] Normal [ ] 1+ (0-5 millimeters)

[ ] 2+ (5-10 millimeters) [ ] 3+ (10-15 millimeters)

Left: [X] Normal [ ] 1+ (0-5 millimeters)

[ ] 2+ (5-10 millimeters) [ ] 3+ (10-15 millimeters)

10. Patellar subluxation/dislocation

------------------------------------

Is there evidence or history of recurrent patellar subluxation/dislocation?

[ ] Yes [X] No

11. Additional conditions

-------------------------

Does the Veteran now have or has he or she ever had "shin splints"

(medialtibial stress syndrome), stress fractures, chronic exertional compartment

syndrome or any other tibial and/or fibular impairment?

[ ] Yes [X] No

12. Meniscal conditions and meniscal surgery

--------------------------------------------

Has the Veteran had any meniscal conditions or surgical procedures for a

meniscal condition?

[ ] Yes [X] No

13. Joint replacement and other surgical procedures

---------------------------------------------------

a. Has the Veteran had a total knee joint replacement?

[ ] Yes [X] No

b. Has the Veteran had arthroscopic or other knee surgery not described

above?

[ ] Yes [X] No

c. Does the Veteran have any residual signs and/or symptoms due to

arthroscopic or other knee surgery not described above?

[ ] Yes [X] No

14. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs

and/or symptoms

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

a. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any

conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis

section above?

[ ] Yes [X] No

b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings,

complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms related to any

conditions

listed in the Diagnosis section above?

[ ] Yes [X] No

15. Assistive devices

---------------------

a. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of

locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be

possible?

[X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, identify assistive device(s) used (check all that apply and

indicate frequency):

Assistive Device: Frequency of use:

----------------- -----------------

[X] Brace(s) [ ] Occasional [X] Regular [ ] Constant

b. If the Veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition and

identify the assistive device used for each condition:

Left knee neoprene sleeve when ambulating outside of home.

16. Remaining effective function of the extremities

---------------------------------------------------

Due to the Veteran's knee and/or lower leg condition(s), is there

functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective function

remains other than that which would be equally well served by an

amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include

grasping, manipulation, etc., while functions for the lower extremity

include balance and propulsion, etc.)

[X] No

17. Diagnostic testing

----------------------

a. Have imaging studies of the knee been performed and are the results

available?

[X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, is degenerative or traumatic arthritis documented?

[ ] Yes [X] No

b. Does the Veteran have x-ray evidence of patellar subluxation?

[ ] Yes [X] No

c. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results?

[X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief

summary):

Report: Left MRI Knee: 6/18/2014

Technique: Left knee MRI with the following departmental

protocol.

Comparison: X-ray dated 08/07/2013

Findings:

Effusion: No significant joint effusion.

Bone: No evidence of bone contusion or edema.

Tendons: Quadriceps and patellar tendon appear normal.

Popliteus,

semimembranosus and pes anserinus tendons are intact.

Ligaments: The anterior and posterior cruciate ligament,

medial

and lateral collateral ligaments are intact.

Meniscus: The medial and lateral meniscus are intact.

Cartilage : There is area of chondromalacia noted over the

lateral tibia plateau demonstrate grade 2 chondromalacia

measures 10 mm Impression:

1. Area of chondromalacia over the lateral tibia plateau

18. Functional impact

---------------------

Does the Veteran's knee and/or lower leg condition(s) impact his or her

ability to work?

[X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, describe the impact of each of the Veteran's knee and/or

lower leg conditions providing one or more examples:

current knee sx are worsened w/ prlonged standing, ladder

climbing, squatting, running, and sitting for prolonged periods.

19. Remarks a. Remarks, if any:

n/a

b. Mitchell criteria:

If any joint is affected by: PAIN, WEAKNESS, FATIGABILITY or

INCOORDINATION during flare, after repetitive use, or use over a period

of time, ROM in degrees must be documented.

X: Cannot specify Please provide rationale: Speculation

I was recently given an OTTOBOCK instability brace for both knees; can i file for clothing allowance?

[Navy04]

Looks like 10% to me bud. I have had ACL/MCL surgery on both knees while active and they are both rated at 0%. I filed an FDC June 14 for an increase as they to have worsened. In my experience it seems to be really hard to get a decent rating for Knees and Backs. Yes you can file for the clothing allowance. I wear the same braces and I filed a few months ago and the VA denied me, stating that I have only had the braces for 6 months, and that was not long enough to wear my pants out, WTH. Good luck either way and keep us posted.

[killemall]

Good luck

[SSG O]

navy04 thank you for the response. Would that be 10% for both knees or 10% for each knee? So i should wait about a year to file for clothing allowance? and is the clothing allowance for one brace? as i wear 2. I'm still waiting for my Comp which have been "Preparation for Decisinon" for a few weeks now should i wait till i have been awarded before filling for sleep apnea?

[SSG O]

Killemall thank you

[Navy04]

You should get 10% for each knee. I would wait atleast 6 months to file for the clothing allowance. It is only giving once a year around Aug or Sep, and I think it is around $600-800, don't quote me. You are only granted 1 clothing allowance, regardless of how many braces you have. I wear a metal back brace, and on both knees too.