Increase Compensation For Pes Cavus From 10%

[Railroader]

What is everyone's opinion of this exam. I am currently 10% S/C for pes cavus. I had an exam in Jan. of this year and the left and right are practacially identical.

Is there objective evidence of painful motion? YES

Objective Evidence:

Wincing and pulling away from examiner during exam

Evidence of swelling: NO

Is there objective evidence of tenderness? YES

Objective Evidence:

Pulling away from examiner during exam.

Is ther objective evidence of weakness? YES

Objective Evidence:

Not able to pearform ROM actively; muscle strength 3/5

Is there other objective evidence? NO

Is there evidence of abnormal weight bearing: YES

Evidence of Abnormal weight bearing:

Unusual shoe wear pattern.

IS THIS EXAMINATION FOR PES CAVUS (CLAWFOOT) ? YES

STATUS OF PLANTAR FASCIA, WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A DROPPED FOREFOOT, ABNORMAL POSITION OF ANY TOES AND ANY LIMITATION OF ANKLE DORSIFLEXION:

Plantar fascitis present; dropped forefoot; unable to perform dorsiflexion but able to obtain neurtal position with active ROM (not passive ROM).

TESTS

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X-RAYS:

Bilateral feet xray results (weight bearing requested): The patient appears to a mild pes cavus deformity bilaterally. No fractures or dislocations are seen. No bone destruction or erosion is appreciated. Impression: 1. Mild pes cavus deformity.

WERE THE RESULTS OF ALL TESTS INCLUDED? YES

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

__________________

IS VETERAN CURRENTLY EMPLOYED? No

IS VETERAN RETIRED? Yes

DATE OF RETIREMENT: 1990

CAUSE OF RETIREMENT:

Medical (physical problem)

MEDICAL/PHYSICAL PROBLEMS:

Back pain

Bilateral foot pain

IS THE DIAGNOSED CONDITION CONGENITAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL? Unable to answer.

SUMMARY OF ALL EFFECTS ON OCCUPATIONAL AND DAILY ACTIVITIES:

DIAGNOSIS OR ETIOLOGY OF PROBLEM: Pes cavus, bilateral

PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH DIAGNOSIS: bilateral pes cavus

GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL EFFECT: Significant Effects.

THIS DISABILITY'S IMPACT ON OCCUPATIONAL ACTIVITIES: Decreased Mobility,

Decreased Strength: Lower Extremity, Pain

IF NOT NOW WORKING, DATE LAST EMPLOYED: 1990

ARE THERE EFFECTS OF THE PROBLEM ON THE FOLLOWING DAILY ACTIVITIES: Yes

CHORES: Moderate

SHOPPING: Moderate

EXERCISE: Severe

SPORTS: Prevents

RECREATION: Mild

TRAVELING: Mild

FEEDING: None

BATHING: None

DRESSING: None

TOILETING: None

GROOMING: None

DRIVING: Mild

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WAS A MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED? No

I forgot to note that I wear rigid orthotic devices in my shoes and use a cane for balance.

Do you think that I will get an increase or not? This C&P was done by a NP at the VA.

Thank You,

Railroader

[cowgirl]

Railroader, why the exam? for increase or a new s/c? Do you have other sc issues in addition to your back, knees, pain or mental health conditions? From what you posted if that is what the doc aka NP wrote, the exam can be any good depnding on the criteria you requested for.

Myself I am curious why a NP? For my re-examinations I had a 'occupational' specialist doctor. Havent seen the writeup yet, so I'm perspiring a bit.(sorry didnt mean to be frank!)

Did the exam follow the worksheet from the VA website? Honestly, my exam probably did follow most of the guidance just not all. Until I see the writing and rating, I'm just not sure the 'specifics' the rater asked the doc to examine.

If your exam was in Jan, should be about the time you hear something soon. After the exam, transcription follows if I recall, then a few more timed steps that take a few weeks here&there.

Best to ya, cg

[Railroader]

I am already s/c 10% for pes cavus and I don't remember exactly what I asked for in the increase and what the other problems were. It has been so long ago that I had almost forgotton about the claim.

Railroader