Filing a compensation claim for knees

[Retiredsoldier1]

What language must I show for a new claim for compensation for my knees.  I have my medical records from VA and outside medical opinions. Waiting on my c-file to see if I can service connect. Can service connection for knees come from other service connected disabilities that I have

[Vync]

It is possible. The VA calls them "secondary" disabilities.

For example, let's assume that one of your SC disabilities is bad ankles. It's like that old song, "The ankle bone is connected to the shin bone. The shin bone is connected to the knee bone." Changes in gait (how you walk) can cause a domino effect and impact other musculoskeletal anatomy in your knees, hips, and even back/neck.

The "Caluza" elements still apply, but a bit differently than direct SC:
1. Existing SC disability
2. Current diagnosis
3. Medical nexus connecting 1 and 2

You already have 1 and I assume 2 too. You can file a claim for your knees and let the VA perform the C&P. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, you can ask them to fill out a Disability Questionnaire (DBQ):
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_listbydbqformname.asp

The VA C&P doctors will author a Medical Opinion Disability Benefits Questionnaire to write their nexus. That document is internal to the VA and, for unknown reasons, not made public like all the other DBQ's. 

That's basically the C&P exam, but performed by your doc. The only difference is they would need to write a nexus/IMO with strong medical rationale to tie everything together. You can search hadit.com for examples of opinion. There is some specific jargon that needs to be used.

Secondary SC can be obtained in a number of other ways. For example, meds used to treat your SC disabilities can cause secondary disabilities. If the secondary disability is sufficient to meet the rating criteria, you can file claims. This can include long-tern NSAID use causing digestive issues like GERD or IBS or medications which negatively impact intimacy or reproduction (these typically qualify for an SMC-K award instead of a percentage rating). If your SC disabilities cause you anxiety or depression, you can file for that too.

 

[Vync]

I just added a new blog entry here on hadit.com which goes into additional depth and examples regarding secondary service connection.