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Total Knee Replacement on June 6

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broncovet

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Im getting my right knee replaced at the VAMC on June 6.  Its a Zimmer NexGen, installed by the VA ortho surgeon.  

I have been told that I will be using a walker for up to 3 months after the surgery.  The arthritis in my knee is, even tho I fractured my leg in service, NSC, because VA never bothered to adjuticate it.  There was just a note ("rating sheet") that says its NSC.  While I dont like to use resources needed by other Vets, I am considering re applying, then fighting them for the effective date.  Im currently 100 percent plus 20 percent plus 10 percent.  So, if the knee replacement is 50 percent, that should be enough for SMC S.  

     Im posting this in case others are considering TKR, and will let you know the results.  

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Bronc, you have the (1) SC rated by singularly as 100% or are you IU for a Single Condition?    Due to my IU Claims Filing ignorance, when presented with the "Inferred IU" on a Rating Decision back in 2010, I immediately Filed the IU Claim Listing my PTSD, SA and CAD as the SC's causing my IU. My BAD, I wasn't aware of SMC S & IU relationship.   Boned myself out of about 2 years of SMC S $$                                                                               How long has the Zimmer NexGen been in use by the VA?  Sounds like you're very comfortable with you're VA Ortho Surgeon.  Were any replacement options made available?

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  • HadIt.com Elder

BRONCOVET

in your claim for TKR  is for NSC maybe a long battle with the VA

I'm sure there is a Temp claim under special condition (knee surgery) at 100% for 13 months and they will probably rate 30%after that on both knee replacements but other factors are important like ROM after the surgery .ECT..ECT.. Also remember the Pain Claims too.

Anyway read this BVA Decision on a veteran that had the S.C.  TKR.   for one knee then aggravated the other knee

its rather a long bva decision but maybe well worth your time to read up on.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp13/Files1/1303059.txt

Edited by Buck52

I am not an Attorney or VSO, any advice I provide is not to be construed as legal advice, therefore not to be held out for liable BUCK!!!

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Bronc, do a search for Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement. A legal Firm (Schmidt Law) posted regarding 1000+ Painful Knee Replacement procedures lawsuits as of mid 2015.

The 1st US Jury Trial 11/9/2015, held in Chicago, resulted in Zimmer's Lawyers successfully defending against the allegation of a NexGen Design Flaw (causing loosening/severe pain) by putting a preponderance of the blame on the Ortho/Surgeon's inappropriate installation and the Plaintiffs returning to full activity too soon, not a Design Flaw that caused the loosening of the Joints.

Did the VA Surgeon discuss any of the pre-2018 NexGen litigation issues?

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Ouch Gastone...WOW I never knew this.  good post buddy.

I am not an Attorney or VSO, any advice I provide is not to be construed as legal advice, therefore not to be held out for liable BUCK!!!

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Thanks to all.  I will try to keep posting here on my progress, just so other Vets can benefit, especially those considering their own knee replacement at VA.  

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