C & Ps Scheduled

[huskerfanfl]

I received a second envelope from the VA two days after they denied my NOD.

I have two C&Ps scheduled for Thursday. One for my depression/anxiety and another to evaluate my request for an increase for my right and left knee, my right ankle, and my back. I have been gathering medical records and my regular doctor has put a statement in my records that I use a cane and walk with an antalgic gait. I have one coworker who is going to write a statement attesting to the use of a cane and another coworker who is going to sign a statement that he has observed the back pain being so bad that I was white as a ghost and ready to pass out.

Any other suggestions?

[Vike17]

huskerfanfl,

From your last post in which you stated the VA sent you a SOC for Blurred vision, back condition, and hypertension, these claims claims have nothing to do with that appeal, except for maybe the back condition (something doesn't sound right though), as you said you submitted claims for depression/anxiety, right and left knee, right ankle, and back after wards. I would just make sure you take any and all relevant medical records pertaining to those disabilities to the C&P exam for the examiner to look at, and then make sure your RO gets a copy of them aftrewards.

Could you maybe clarify your back condition and why the VA is taking another lok see?

Vike 17

[Pete53]

Huskerfan:

Good Luck on your claim. Looks like you are still in the game.

[huskerfanfl]

I have three bad disks in my lower back. I did not have a lot of knowledge when I went for my intial C&P and was actually having a good day pain wise. When the examiner told me to bend over to check ROM, I bent over as far as I could despite the pain. Although I was limping on the day of that exam, the limp was not noted. I was rated at 10% for lower back. The back was on the NOD, but based on the information that was available at the time of the examination and how far I bent forward, the NOD was denied. Since that time, my back has gotten worse pain wise and causes me to walk with the abnormal gate to guard agaist more pain as well as use a cane. the medical records I refered to were over the two years since I retired.

My right knee has now gotten to the point where it loks momentarily and lateral movement is affected. i also had arthroscopic surgery on the knee. This has caused additional starin on my previously injured right ankle (currently 0%) and left knee (currently 0%)

[Vike17]

huskerfanfl,

I understand now. Just keep an eye on the effective date of any possible increase in evaluation of your back. I say this because it's apparent that your claim for an increase may have been submitted within the appeals period and any prior treatment records indicating a limited range of motion less than your previous degree may warrant a different effective date.

Vike 17

[huskerfanfl]

I appreciate the responses Vike 17. I have learned so much since I have been on this board and advice is always welcome. I now have the two statements in my possession. They are short and to the point.

[sixthscents]

OK ya'll knew it was coming.... what testing has been accomplished at this point...

Have you had:

An EMG

An MRI

A Myleogram

... was a goinometer used to verify the degree of flexion? (Haha)

seriously though... do you have any or all of the above tests?

I'm waiting for your reply before I ask other pertinent questions...