Question:
have 30% disability and part of that involves a service connected lower back (L4-5). The lower back, hip and sciatic pain is so bad I was finally referred to a civilian orthopedic surgeon. The short story is I need to get my L4-5 vertebrae fused. My question is what is the VA convalescent time allowed for such a surgery? I'm working with the DAV (disable american vets) organization and the rep said I needed to get a letter from the surgeon on how long the convalescent time will be. The strange thing is a couple of other vets I know who have gotten the same surgery and those who have had hip and knee replacement surgery said they did not have to provide this type of letter. So what is real answer? Is this something new? Or is the DAV rep not that good?
Jim's Reply:
I'd advise that we never compare our progress or situation with another vet...way too many things differ that we don't know about. Your rep is doing a good job to cover you from every angle. The facts of convalescent ratings are here .