I'm an MD and an Examiner who performs a lot of VA C&P's. I think this is one of the best videos I've seen on RU-vid for veterans facing an upcoming disability exam. Excellent information. Well done!
This comment made our day. Thank you for taking the time to provide a positive comment. Coming from someone with your background, it means a lot! Thank you!
It's refreshing to see people are still willing to leave positive comments. Thank you for taking the time to say something kind. Have a great Turkey Day!
I just had my c&p exam today for bilateral knees that I was denied for back in 2014. The exam lasted about 10 min and I was worried. However she told me that she was glad I brought the medical record from when I was in service that stated “left knee pain 7/10. Not sure if I’ll get bilateral but I’m hoping for something for the left knee.
Bringing the records can be so helpful. It saves the examiner's time and effort. You were smart to bring them. You will only get the bilateral factor if you have a service-connected condition on the R lower extremity too. All the best!
Would you get arthritis service connected if you are applying for an increase from a service connected condition? I have 0% service connection for a reconstructive knee surgery. Recently 10 years affter discharge, i have had imaging and diagnosed arthritis in the knee, along with signs of degeneration as compared to my 2017 scans.
Interesting question. 99% of the time they service connect the arthritis as a progression of the initial condition. This can be helpful as there’s favorable rating considerations for arthritis. Every once in a while they try arguing it’s a separate issue that’s not service connected, but that’s exceedingly rare (and just stupid). It will likely be service connected.
So what exactly does the flexion and extension consist of? Are you laying down and bring your knees to chest with feet flat? Are you sitting on an edge of a table? Confused on both of these if you could elaborate please and paint a picture? I saw the picture but need a better explanation thanks. Good video!
There are 2 separate videos in the description that demonstrate what you are looking for. Check those out and let us know if you still have questions. We agree, it’s not that clear. Typically they have veterans sitting on the edge of a table. Thx for the comment.
I am rated for both right and left knee strain, so can I claim instability, effusion, and arthritis secondary to that? I feel like those (at least the instability and effusion) were already there, just not rated. Or do those have to be directly service-connected?
Generally the arthritis is automatically service connected if it is documented at the time of the adjudication. If not, it's likely in your best interest to file an increase and expressly claim it as "b/l knee strain with arthritis and instability." The VA usually treats the arthritis as a natural progression of the strain. Hope that helps. All the best! -VADG
@ the age of thirteen I had a severe break of the growth bones in my left ankle and when I went into the AF I experienced a lot of foot,ankle, and leg pain on the left leg, while wearing combat boots and marching. I was diagnosed with flat feet and the AF began making plastic arches to fit inside my work boots, but it really was not a very good outcome to ease the pain. I am now 68yo and have filed an "intent form" for compensation. My question is using the flat feet diagnosis since it is the issue documented in my service file as my primary event, because I am having a huge pain and mobility issue w/ my left knee could this be the secondary compensation event, and in which order should I apply or can I file for both at the same time?
Was the break of growth bones in your left ankle documented with the Air Force? Was it noted on your entrance examination? You definitely have a valid claim if you were treated on active duty. We would file a claim for direct service connection stating your problems began on active duty. If they try to tell you your symptoms began before military service, remind them that you were presumed sound by the "presumption of soundness doctrine." If they still insist your symptoms preexisted military service, then tell them that at a minimum your symptoms were "aggravated beyond the normal degree of worsening" by your military service. Yes, you should and could file a secondary claim for your L knee secondary to the feet. However, if applicable, you will want to ensure you communicate you have an altered gait and change the wait you walk because of the feet. Because of this alteration, you put undue stress on your knee. You should file for every single medical condition you believe could potentially be associated with your active duty service. If you have a history of depression or anxiety because of your foot problems, we would encourage you to file for that too. All the best!
I have service connected presently receiving 90% I have End stage severe DJD in both hips, Patellofemoral arthrosis left knee, and I’m going to an appointment for my spine because of low back pain, my images show degeneration L4-5/L5-S1 with bone spurs, and service connected flat feet bilateral pea planus with calcanea spurs…do I have a chance? Oh and believe me that I have pain.
This sounds absolutely miserable. Sorry for your pain and suffering. Are you service connected with the hips, L knee spine, and pes planus? We aren't entirely what specifically you mean when you ask "do I have a chance." Undoubtedly though with what you have going on, you should have a good chance at obtaining 100%. Be certain to look at mental health secondary to service connected conditions. Also, if applicable, be certain to let the VA know if you have nerve impairment down your legs (commonly referred to as radiculopathy). This usually affects the sciatic nerve. Good luck!
Yes, definitely. What is common is individuals alter their gait, so they put additional stress on their knees. This eventually can cause knee problems. Good luck!
Typically the VA is required to service connect scars at a minimum of 0%. If they didn't, you could file for service connection accordingly by claim "scar, secondary to knee surgery." If applicable, be certain to tell them if it's painful or disfiguring. Good luck! -VADG
