Total Knee Replacement claim advice.

[waccamawwild]

I have a question that perplexes me. I am 100% Permanent and Total for a total of 13 disabilities. I had a total knee replacement after many years of dealing with my arthritic 10% rated knee. i had the TKR in January 2020. I didn't tell regional office anything because I believe in let sleeping dogs lie quietly. However I do know that the VA hospital where I had surgery let the regional office know I had surgery for a service connected knee. I understand that the minimum rating after being reevaluated is 30%. Will they automatically contact me at the 13 month mark for a C&P exam? If so, are they limited to look at the knee only?  Will they service connect for the TKR related scar? Just curious! I was already 100% so nothing changed after the surgery although if rated different I could have 100% total temporary perhaps given. I do not want to screw what I already have so any advice what or how this works will help me.

[broncovet]

If you do "not" have SMC S, then an additional 100 percent for convalescent rating, temporary,  should warrant 100 plus 60, or statuatory SMC S.  That is about $4200 for a year.  

"If" this additional 30 percent for TKR rendered you "100 plus 60" permanently, then that could result in an extra 357 per month for life.  

I say "That sleeping dog" you fear does isnt such a bad dog after all.  Why?  Well he dont look that mean to me, he probably wants you to pet him especially if you throw him a dog biscuit.  (Be nice to the VA people)

And   That sleeping dog has a pretty strong "chain" for your protection:  

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.344

Now, I dont recommend provoking that dog by throwing rocks at him, or shooting him with a BB gun, but, if you are smart, respect him..he is just not that bad of a dog.