Diagnosed Arthritic Knee

[huskerfanfl]

For years while I was in the military, I complained about pain in my right knee. Now, two years after I retire, I finally get the doctor to send me to an orthopedic specialist and he ordered an MRI. The result was a miniscus that is torn in two places and now I need arthroscopic surgery. This is not to say that I do not have arthritis, because I do. My knee is currently rated at 10% for the arthritis. Has anybody had any expereince in asking for an increase in this situation?

[Vike17]

The knee is the only joint that is allowed to have more than one rating percentage without pyrmiading. So if you feel your knee warrents a higher rating, then I would request an increase. This could prompt VA to see if your knee also has another disability, such as lateral instability, at a compensable rate of 10% or more to go with the arthritus.

Vike 17

[JohnM]

For years while I was in the military, I complained about pain in my right knee. Now, two years after I retire, I finally get the doctor to send me to an orthopedic specialist and he ordered an MRI. The result was a miniscus that is torn in two places and now I need arthroscopic surgery. This is not to say that I do not have arthritis, because I do. My knee is currently rated at 10% for the arthritis. Has anybody had any expereince in asking for an increase in this situation?

I don't know anything about your second question, but would like to make a comment about your arthroscopic surgery. In Feb. of 1998 I had arthroscopic on my left knee, It only made it worst, By July of 1998 I could not take the pain anymore and had to have the knee replaced, July of 1999 I had the other knee replaced with out having the arthrothroscopic, a nurse where I had worked opt for the arthroscopic surgery first had her knee replaced 5 weeks later. I quess what I am saying is if your knee is bad enough for arthroscopic than it might be worth talking about replacement instead of dealing with that pain twice. In my opinion its just putting money in the Dr.'s pocket with no results. Just thought I would put my 2 cents in. What ever you decide I wish you luck but also make sure you do the exercises to get the knee working It hurts like H but it is worth it about 5wks latter. I have not had any problems with my knees at all.

JohnM's Wife

[huskerfanfl]

I did speak with the doctor about this. He feels that I am too young at 46. They are so concerned about them wearing out.

[JohnM]

I did speak with the doctor about this. He feels that I am too young at 46. They are so concerned about them wearing out.

My DR. wanted me to wait till I was 60 but I could not tolerate the pain so I was 44 & 45 with no problems. Although I use to work in a warehouse picking orders ( heavy ) about 10,000 lbs a day and I could not do that any more plus working on cement floors is not good for you, Unfortunely 5 weeks after my first knee replacement I had a heart attack and had surgery so when I went back to work I had to have a sit down job, That only lasted for 4 yrs till I went on SSD. I will soon be 57 with no problems at all with my knees but again I haven't been working, so there is very little wear and tear on them now.