Walk With A Cane

[huskerfanfl]

I went to a C&P exam last month. I am still waiting on my copy, but I do know that the PA noted that I have lost even more motion in my back, right knee, and right ankle. She said that there was a lot of loss of mobilty in my right ankle due to fatigue (after 5 repetitions). She also noted that I walk with a cane and an abnormal gait. I was only able to bend over slightly before pain in my back started and bend knee slightly before pain. Currently rated at 10% for both my back and knee, and 0% for the ankle. I know that this is not much detail, but it is all I have at this point.

[Pete53]

Well its hard to say till you see the notes. You should have a copy by now. If you go to the VA for something else you should go to Release of Information and ask for copies of C&P. It should be in the computer.

'

Good Luck

[huskerfanfl]

I have had a long month, my mother and brother's mother-in-law both died and had to deal with all of that so I did not request a copy until some time after. The C&P was done at the Evansville, IN outpatient clinic and when I inquired later regarding getting copies, I was told I would have to go through the Louisville office. I do know that the psychiatric portion was on the computer because my psycholgist said she thought I was already service connected for depression. When I told her that I may have to resign from my job because of my disabilities, she said that I need to do something with people because I am already "pretty withdrawn". Hopefully comments like that went into the C&P for depression

[LarryJ]

The examiner that did your orthopedic exam will have to state to what degree your range of motion has decreased. This is done by the use of an instrument called a goniometer. If you have indeed lost an appreciable amount of this ROM in your ankle, you should be receiving either 10, 20 or 30% (I believe 30% is as high as an ankle can take you, percentage-wise). Same thing, same instrument, used in your other ortho problems, also. Because you use a cane and have an abnormal gait will not, in themselves, get you anything. Whereas, if the range of motion measurement indicates certain degrees of range of motion, falling below the "normal" range of motion of the, in this instance, ankle joint, then that will be the deciding factor.

I know, I just got my 20%. Left ankle.

[spike]

I agree. I have one question though. Was the cane given to you by the Veterans Hospital? You may have arthritis due to strain. It might provide supporting documents towards that. You will however need an xray and or MRI of those legs. FYI

[huskerfanfl]

The cane is used to relieve pressure on the back, I cannot stand for more than 10 minutes without having to sit down, once I sit down, I can normally sit for around 15 minutes without having to get up. I can extend the amount of time I can stand or walk by using the cane. The use of the cane was noted by my doctor, the examiner, and two witness statements. Another question I have is regarding three joints in a row that are compensable. I already receive compensation for my right hip due to chronic bursitis, my right knee due to pain (recently had arthroscopic surgery to remove part of the miniscus, this did not alleviate any pain but made it worse), and now my right acnkle, which I believe will be rated. Is there a special way that they rate three joints in the same leg. Between these problems and my back, it makes it extremely difficult to walk.

[LarryJ]

The use of a cane is not going to get you anything.

I realize that your doctor, the VA doctor, and your friends have actually seen you using a cane. All that does is prove that you own a cane and use it.

The joints have specific ranges of motion. These ranges of motion must be measured to come to any conclusions as to your disability. The use of x-rays to confirm the existence of arthritis will also be added to the ROM findings, pain will be considered as it applys to interference with daily activities and a decision will be made from these findings of fact.