PailRider

Thanks RB22....that is some good stuff. Like you, I have learned a lot of stuff from hadit as well. I know it is going to be an uphill struggle, but I am ready to get it going.

Thanks for the responses. I guess I will be making an ortho appt.

So much information here....found this site a couple days ago and have pretty much worn out the search function looking for guidance. I have downloaded several forms but just do not know where to begin. Served from 85-91, Gulf War vet. Had ACL reconstruction of left knee in april of 90. I never went to PT or was the knee re-habbed post op. Basically discharged after surgery, went back a month later to remove staples, and then was sent to SWA in August. Discharged from service in November 91. Went to the VA on a hunch in 92 and was awarded 10% disability in the left knee. Complained about pain in the right knee, but was not granted compensation for it. My knees are now junk. I walk like I am a 90 year old man. Over the years I am pretty sure I have re-torn the ACL in my left knee. In addition I believe I have torn at least the ACL, and maybe the MCL in my right knee. Both knees are very unstable, limited range of motion, and are arthritic. I believe an MRI would confirm the issues. I blow out a knee once every two months or so and limp around for a couple weeks until the swelling goes down. As you can probably gather, I have not seen my PCP in 15 years or so. None of my post service knee injuries are documented. I had such a bad experience with my surgeries in the service, I have been reluctant to go through surgeries again. My knees are to the point now where I need to do something. Surgery (probably at leat 1 TKR) is probably the option I need to go with. Some days the pain is so brutal and the swelling is so great I can barely walk with the help of crutches. Where do I start? I would like to have my knees re-evaluated for a higher %. Do I go see a civilian doctor to gather some medical evidence? Do I need to do a DBQ? Do I go to the VA hospital here in NH (from what i understand, they have limited capabilities and send us to VT or MA) and request a C&P exam? I have other issues that 'may' be service connected...but again, never documented. Have I missed the boat on those? Thanks in advance for any help or guidance that is offered. Ken