Question:

Jim, I am not real sure how to phrase my questions. E-benefit list my disabilities as follows: 1985 10 % right knee (residual ), 20 percent cervical spine, Another 10 % right knee ( 2nd surgery HTO failed and had a misalignment or bone block) 20 % for lower lumbar) I don't remember when the knee itself was rated at 30 % in addition to the other rewards. (2003 maybe as I was rated at 60%) Ask for a increase an increase in May 2019. Had a knee replacement in 2007 on the outside an never returned to VA for about 10 to 12 years. Too many lies about the 2nd surgery. The replacement failed as my leg will not bend backwards enough to go up and down stairs nor ride a bike ( The bike since 2003 ) I am now rated at 70%. The award letter states 50% for the right knee, 20% (2) still for the back and neck and 10% for unstable knee replacement. The awards for 1985 and 2003 are not listed but I did not ask anything about them. So 50, 20,20 10,10,10 comes out to 76 according to VA math. I have received no info about the missing 10"s. I have never received a reexamination letter or any notice the 10% being reduced to 0%. The letter states the knee was being increased from 30 to 50. If they rolled the 2 10's into the 30% that is not an actual increase. That would reduce me from an 80 to 70. Both awards are still listed on the e-benefit page. One I have had for 34 years and the other for 16. I turned 55 in 2006. Could this be a math error or am I the lucky recipient of VA math? Sorry the question was so lengthy.

Jim's Reply:

Without the chance to review all your original paperwork I can't hazard at a guess. If you really need to know, you'll want to consider talking with a VSO who understands VA math...take all your award letters.