Knees and feet

[Ranmic]

So the back story is I went to medical a few times early on in my military career and had noted issues with my knees feet.  Beyond that I never really went back towards the end of my 9 year stint I just kinda toughed it out.  It was documented in my medical record that I visited the clinic a few times for my knees and feet.  My questions is I've been out for a long time now and my knees and feet have gotten worse.  I'm planning on going to the VA for treatment but is it worth filing a claim for disability after I've been out so long?

[Richard1954]

30 minutes ago, Ranmic said:

I'm planning on going to the VA for treatment but is it worth filing a claim for disability after I've been out so long?

It may be worth it if you have a doctor that reviews you active duty medical records, and somehow determines that your current condition is related to your in-service condition. If that is the case, it could be worth submitting a claim... but until you speak to a doctor and try to get a nexus you will never know.

[Ranmic]

On 9/26/2019 at 8:40 PM, Richard1954 said:

It may be worth it if you have a doctor that reviews you active duty medical records, and somehow determines that your current condition is related to your in-service condition. If that is the case, it could be worth submitting a claim... but until you speak to a doctor and try to get a nexus you will never know.

Thanks Richard.  I just went to the VA recently and started seeking treatment for my knees and feet (among other things) and decided to file a compensation claim also.  The local VA took xrays and found no damage and I told her I appreciate it but it still doesn't help that I've had knee pain forever and it started early on in my career.  Not sure what the next treatment will be or what direction they will go in.  Part of the problem is NO ONE can find a copy of my medical records that notes anything  (can't say I'm surprised).  I have some copies of my record to cover a couple of medical visits for my knees but I'm afraid it won't be enough to give me a rating.  Hell, i'd take 10% if that's all I can get.

[Richard1954]

4 minutes ago, Ranmic said:

Not sure what the next treatment will be or what direction they will go in.

Xrays do not identify problems with muscles, tears in the meniscus, or arthritis. You need to have a CT or MRI to identify these issues.  For a claim , you will need to show that the conditions are connected to your military service.  I would talk to the doctor and request the CT or MRI.. only then can you really know the issues causing the pain.  

If you have been out of service for a long time, and have not received treatment for the issues,  it may be hard to connect the problem to your service. You should be able to get the medical records from St Louis or thru the va, as the va should have  received a copy of your records when you left service.  To get the records from the VA , request a complete copy of you claims & Pension file. Its free but may take a while.

[Ranmic]

Thanks again.  I will see what they can find.  Like I said I have some medical documentation on my knee injury but with them stating in the past they couldn't locate my medical record I'm afraid it's almost like it didn't happen.  I submitted my claim and provided what medical documentation I have where I was treated at medical so we'll see what happens.  Until then I'll see what the VA can do to nail down the direct case.  Do you know if the person reviewing my claim will send me to the VA for an examination or will they send me to a private doctor?

 

[Richard1954]

1 hour ago, Ranmic said:

Do you know if the person reviewing my claim will send me to the VA for an examination or will they send me to a private doctor?

No there is no way to know. They will usually request the closest  VA medical  facility to schedule an exam, and the medical facility will  make the determination where you will go for the exam  witch could be a private doctor under contract.

[Fat]

1. Get your medical records

2. Go see a orthopedic specialist.  Specializing in knees, ankles, joint pain/conditions.

3. Let him review you military medical file (related to feet and knees) and any medical information regarding your feet and knees since leaving active duty.

4. Ask him to test for a current injury and opinion if military service issues are related/connected to current issues (nexus).

5. File a claim if nexus is favorable.