C&P for Bilateral plantar fascitis

[sauerkraut1977]

Hey guys got an update. Got the call today to do my C&P at the VA hospital by Orthopedics. Does this sound like it is the right people to do this exam?? I have heard horror storied about having your exam done by VA doctors because they are not as inclined to help you with your claim. Is there any truth to this?  Needless to say I am worried but relieved. Hoping for that 50% for the feet. Let me know your thoughts. God Bless and thank you!!!

[pwrslm]

It is true that the VA Md's could be tough on you.  It is not true that they always are.

What is also true is that they have an obligation to tell the truth, it is supposed to be in accordance with US Law, and the Code of Federal Regulation, so I would go as far as to say the whole truth, without omission.  These guys are professionals, and the law expects them to behave as such, which is a higher level of confidence placed in them than the law would in a lay persons statement.  If he states in the medical exam that he reviewed your records, both recent and historic from active duty service, then he must include all of the facts and apply them to your case.  (the thing is, they normally dont do this)  Many appeals have been won on this type of issue.

Best scenario;  Get a Non VA Ortho who is a foot specialist, to give you an IMO.  Take your x rays and Mri's and records to them, detail the facts in a letter pointing to the dates and times involved in your records, and get him to say what he will about your condition.  If there is a major contradiction, your claim is much stronger still.  Do this before the claim decision is made and it might prevent you from having to appeal the decision.

If you have already filed your claim as a fully developed claim, adding evidence might kick it out of the FDC and it could take longer, but not having it and resorting to an appeal is much longer.

Edited April 5, 2016 by pwrslm

[sauerkraut1977]

Thanks for the great info. I had the mri on the toe sunday and just printed out my medical records for my c&p on thursday. This is what the physician said : Please review MRI results.

 Impression: Joint effusion within the great toe interphalangeal joint. Marrow edema of the great toe distal phalanx and proximal phalanx. Primary diagnostic consideration is septic arthritis with osteomyelitis. The extensive marrow edema, lack of erosions, and lack of metatarsophalangeal joint involvement make gout less likely. 
 

Need some advice. From the web research i have done i am going to have to have surgery for this. My question is do you think this is service connected and should i file another disability claim for osteomyelitis? I found some info and even the VA form the doctors do for this just searching for VA disabulty rating for osteomyelitis. Please let me have your feedback. Thanks again all and god bless!!!!