Confused on C&P NOTE

[shawn55]

Hello, 

I just read the C&P note, this is confusing and I need an experts advice.  In 2011 I hurt my left knee during PT (exertion).  Shortly was notified for a deployment so I went to the doctor to get both my elbow and knee checked out and was told he doesn't have enough time so hurry and pick which injury I want to get checked out.  Told the dr. I felt something in back of my knee tear so he literally looked at my knee and told me to stretch and take some Motrin.  In Sep 2013, I separated from the military and in my separation physical all the injuries I told the dr. was not on the medical record and stated "patient claims his perfectly fine" however prior to the dr. appointment I had another appointment for my fatigue so I got my blood drawn.  Why would I tell the dr. I m perfectly fine if I went in for fatigue prior  sorry to get off subject when I filed for my claims in Dec 2013 claimed my knee was still hurting after I run, was told to stretch again.  Finally after complaining for years got an MRI done.

FINDINGS: There is a small joint effusion, particularly collecting along the lateral aspect of the knee, deep to the IT band. 

So I go to my therapy and was told it will be awhile before I can run again, I have to go to physical therapy 2x a month.  I reopened my claim for my knee and this is what my C&P exam note reads from PA:

Question:

Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of (a) LEFT KNEE CONDITION that is at least as
likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by
(the)

LEFT KNEE PAIN during service? Answer:
The veteran's C-file was reviewed.

Review of the veteran's available service and non-service treatment records
issilent for a diagnosis for a left knee condition. He was evaluated (11/15/2011) for worsening left knee pain that was diagnosed as a mild hamstring strain. This was a onetime evaluation with no follow up evaluations or complaint of left knee pain until 2 years 0 months 4 days later.

A hamstring injury typically causes a sudden, sharp pain in the back of your thigh or lower buttock and is felt when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over. You might also feel a popping or tearing sensation. Swelling and tenderness usually develop within a few hours. You may also experience bruising or discoloration along the back of your leg, as well as muscle weakness or an inability to put weight on your injured leg. The MRI obtained on the veteran's left knee (02/2016) is consistent with his complaint for posterior knee pain and not a typical hamstring injury. The veteran has an extensive history consistent with alcohol abuse with acute episodic alcohol intoxication and may have injured his left during one of these events. The veteran last reported alcohol use is (2013) the same time frame he voiced concerns to his Social Worker about experiencing left posterior knee pain. For this reason(s); it is less likely than not (less than 50 percent probability) that the veteran's present condition for left posterior knee pain is related to an in-service injury, event or illness. 

I no longer drink anymore, I quit in December 2013.  The consistent alcohol abuse happened when I was stationed in Korea, I was uncomfortable being around people so every time I was around lots of people I didn't know I drank to calm myself down later on turned out to be anxiety attack and was placed on medication.  

 

What does alcohol have to relate to my knee injury?  Thank you. 

[Navy4life]

This is not a favorable C&P for you.  You are looking at an uphill battle.  The examiner got your alcohol abuse from something but I am not sure since I was not there nor privy to it.  The wording at the end of this exam really damages your claim.  Sorry I don't have better news.