Need advice on whether I should file HLR, Supplemental, convalescence, and secondary claims together or separately.
Background:
During military service, I had a right tibial fracture that required a nail and screws.
I also previously had tumor removal surgery on the same leg/femur (enchondroma residuals).
In November 2025, a VA podiatry doctor completed a DBQ for me and documented additional issues including pes planus, altered gait, radiculopathy symptoms, ankle limitations, etc.
When I filed my recent VA increase claim, I only filed for increases related to my already service-connected conditions (mental health, femur/leg conditions, etc.). I did NOT formally file secondary claims at that time.
Then on March 25, 2026, I had surgery on the same leg to remove hardware. However, the surgery was incomplete because they could not fully remove the nail and part of the screw remained.
My C&P exam was scheduled about 2 weeks after surgery while I was still actively recovering. During the exam, the examiner stated that he could not properly evaluate the condition yet and recommended another exam after my orthopedic surgeon releases me from recovery/PT.
Despite that, the VA did NOT defer the leg condition and instead continued the same 10% rating for the leg. Overall, I was granted 90% combined (about 92% actual combined by VA math).
My VSO previously advised me NOT to file for temporary convalescence back in March because he thought it could complicate/delay the ongoing C&P process.
Now I’m trying to figure out the best strategy moving forward:
Should I file a Higher-Level Review because the VA finalized the rating even after the examiner recommended another post-recovery exam?
Or would a Supplemental Claim be stronger since I now have ongoing PT records and post-surgical evidence?Should I also file for temporary 100% convalescence now?
How should I file the secondary conditions (radiculopathy, pes planus, ankle limitations, altered gait, etc.) that were already documented in my podiatry DBQ?
Should these all be filed together or separately?
I’m currently still in physical therapy until July.
Would appreciate any guidance from anyone who has dealt with post-surgical C&P exams or similar situations.