WIDOWS SON

Hello, I have been reading this forums a while but a bit confused if I should pursue a claim. Background :45 years old,male...discharged honorable in 1996. Have never made a claim or filed for any VA health benefits or disability. I was in the Army in an Airborne Unit. Total service time 26 months. Discharged because I could not pass a PT run test (actually due to knee and ankle pain). I did NOT get a medical discharge. Basic training Ft Jackson, AIT Ft Gordan, Jump school Ft Benning, stationed Ft Bragg. When I was discharged I was scheduled for physical therapy for my ankle and never received it (noted in medical records). In my military medical records I was diagnosed several times with "Ft Bragg Knee" aka runners knee. Also several times for ankle pain and sprain.....and a time or two for back pain from a airborne jump (this noted on report also). All I was ever given was dosages of 800 mg ibuprofen, and other prescription anti inflammatory meds and 3 days off from PT. Never an xray or anything more than a quick 10 minute visit and return to duty. When I did my exit physical I checked off all of this as ailments also.My knees ,back and ankles have always hurt on and off ever since...especially the last few years. Also I have quite a few documented cases in military records of cough and cold, sinus, and respiratory related stuff in my military records. I still suffer from those yearly...usually 2-4 times a year. I have this documented on civilian records also....sinusitis, bronchiltis or upper respiratory infection. I had an MRI done about 10 years ago noting a polyup(sp) in my sinus cavity. Pretty frequent headaches. I have never been as sick as when I joined the military. So, in a nutshell should I pursue this? I already have my medical records from the military, and can easily get all civilian ones. ALSO can I file for VA Medical now or should I wait until I file a disability claim? I have always just had private insurance. I did file once for VA Med but was told I made too much $$$. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!!!