u/Cranks_No_Start

Had a Total Reverse replacement on my non dominant arm at the end of May. Compared to having my knees replaced this has been a total cakewalk. I do have a little...more discomfort than pain mid arm where they hammer the implant into the bone and have a little pain in the elbow but all of this is pretty normal. Still even with the limitations of movement....really can't easily reach the center of my back...but I couldn't do that before.

I need to start the strengthening portion on my own at home but was given no restrictions. I will start on that and also start prepping the other arm so i can get it done in the spring. After both knees and a shoulder almost back to back I have some much needed projects around the house to attend to and some bike riding to get in before it turns to Winter. Im looking forward to Spring for the 2nd one.

I was granted SSDI in May of 2019. I was also told I was "MINE" and iirc I would receive a CDR in 5-7 years. Now having passed the 7 year mark and then some I'm curious as to the process. FWIW I'm now 59. Should I even worry about this?

I initially filed back in 2020. Tinnitus, right knee, left as secondary, right ankle, left as secondary and bilateral ples planus.

I had to run the gamut of denial denial denial and filed for a BVA hearing. Had the hearing and after right on 6 1/2 years the judge granted all conditions.

So here’s the question. I was granted and awarded on all conditions but with 2…0%

30% bilateral ples planus

10% Left ankle Strain. 

10% right ankle strain 

10% Tinnitus

10% Arthritis left knee extension

10% Arthritis right knee extension

0% arthritis left knee flexion

0% arthritis right knee flexion

FWIW in the time frame of seeing the BVa Judge and now I had to have both knees replaced I told him at the time it was in the works.

I received my letter and was granted BUT the case while closed is still open. ( go figure) They set me up for a a set of X-rays and and today I had an C&P exam where they went over the entire thing again. Examining my knee (right only) ankle (right only) and feet to see if they were still flat. (they are).

Even the Dr seeing me was surprised at this that I was awarded ratings yet still doing the exam.

fwiw looking online all my claims are rated as static

I am assuming as they know I did have both knees replaced they were wanting to exam the after effects. She measured my scar ( only on one leg) and see what the rom was after the replacement.

Also when I saw the Judge he said he was going to recommend TDIU but I’ve seen nothing of that mentioned in the paperwork.

Anyone have any idea what actually might be in the works her? Online all my ratings are set at “Static” but like I was saying I’m unsure of how to interpret what’s going on?

Went to my first PT (evaluation) and saw my surgeon. While I’ve done nothing in particular aside from just being lazy and doing my pt both were impressed with how things have turned out.

ROM especially on the arm lift was pretty impressive. Prior to surgery I could let lift my arm beyond 90 degrees and can lift it almost straight up. According to the dr he has patients never get to this point let alone at 3 weeks.

and I was given the go ahead to take the sling off And I finally got a good nights sleep as I wasn’t choking myself at night. lol.

All in all this has been night and day different than having the knees done.

Not sure what I was expecting but compared to having my knees replaced this is cake.

Sleep is a bit tough but otherwise aside from being a little tired I can like 95 % get dressed and the pain is literally less than what it was before surgery ( my shoulder was junk).

So far so good.

here’s the thing. I filed my original case in 2020, ran the gamut for a year and filed for a VBA in 2021.

I had my hearing in Oct 24 yada yada and saw the up date on the app and received a letter saying …

>The judge granted the following issues:

>Entitlement to service connection for left ankle strain, secondary to the service-connected right ankle strain, is granted.

>Entitlement to for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, secondary to the service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee, is granted.

>Entitlement to service connection for right ankle strain is granted.

>Entitlement to service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted.

>Entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is granted

On the app it’s still saying the case is in progress.

Now today I get a phone call from VES saying I need another exam.

So 2 questions. is this typical and what does it mean?

It also notes I should bring any new records to the appointment Which may or may not be easily to obtain.

The biggie being (Degenerative arthritis to left and right knee). I had both knees replaced last year they were complete trash and actually causing hip issues. Would I still need those Records?

Had my pre-op visit with the surgeon the other day..scheduled for the 28th for a left replacement... and the rom limitation…hand behind your back… came up.

While I’m right handed and this is the left arm the right arm is getting replace soon after.

How long after your dominant arm replacement were you able to “wipe” normally if ever?

I broke my hand a long time back so using the left arm was difficult but doable but now wonder how this works.

How did you manage ?