Update(Seen The Doctor Today)

[Prowler Orange Challenger]

Copy and pasted this from a PM I sent someone. Wish me luck as I go in for a Physical Evaluation with the military doctor.

I have a situation with the military; I am Air Force and have substained an injury in which I have been screwed over for somethings because of a fall I had while on duty about five years ago. I have problems with both of my knees, my lower back, and my hip; funny they say its genetic when I never had the problems being more active and physical when I was younger before the fall. Also funny its on the same side that I fell. I already had surgery on my right knee in hopes that it would get better but, in fact it has made it worse. My joint pops when I go to barely bend my knees and I can barely put pressure on it so I walk with a limp. There is some other things I can't do that frustrates me and does create what I consider morale problems in my personal life a sense but, it could be worse. I have under gone all types of treatment and I can't do too much when it comes to anything really physical anymore. The orthopedic surgeon tells me I have arthritis in my right knee and I'm only 25. The ortho says I have the same problem with my left knee and wants to perform a surgery. I was like no way! Anyways, I'll see what happens with this whole deal as I may end getting medically discharged. The downfall and scary part is because of the system the Air Force and VA may not give me any pay and say oh yeah sorry about that but, you just have chronic pain. They do the same with the guys who get their limbs blown off from Iraq its a bad situation. Well, anyways enough ranting for now. I love the Dakota Convertible. I need to have a couple of things fixed on it but, I'm waiting to see what happens with things before I decide. Take it easy and thanks for the welcome.

[EVIL72]

I have problems with both of my knees, my lower back, and my hip;My joint pops when I go to barely bend my knees and I can barely put pressure on it so I walk with a limp.

There's a name for this it's called middle age 
 Seriously though, I hope everything works out for you. I've had these same injuries for a long time now, so I know how they can really drain you physically and mentally.
 

[4Cruizn]

Well sorry to hear about that.  Hope things get better!  Hang in there!!   

[Rev-It-Up]

25 is too young to be dealing with health issues!!  I'm really sorry to hear that Dakota.  It's a little maddening to hear that military folks aren't getting their due when it comes to accidents and injuries while on duty!   

[Prowler Orange Challenger]

Well folks thanks for the words. I know some of you don't care for my post but, I think the government should take care of its troops and people of the US a little more. Let's just say I know stuff that most people don't. Anyways, I went to see the doctor today and my package should be getting submitted to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. This doctor was a new doctor so we'll see what happens. I know they'll low ball me initially so I'll have to appeal it. From what the doctor said there no hope for my knee other than getting a joint replacement in a few years. He also said I could have some nerve and muscle damage to my leg and it could be causing problems with my lower back. Anyways, I'm hoping they just medically retire me. We'll see, as to what they determine for my fate.

[EVIL72]

 Sounds like you got a good case, don't give up. It's all about Quality of life!

[Prowler Orange Challenger]

Thanks and oh yeah I should mention I have this problem with both knees. The left one isn't nearly as bad as the right one is. In fact, the surgery made the right one worse as I have mentioned. I have good flexibility with my knee but, as the doctor noted that I have a severe grinding of the joints and possible nerve muscle damage from the fall/surgery. I need to see where I put a copy of my medical records because it specifically states that I had a fall while on duty and the problems that followed afterwards. Even with the papers being in there and other papers stating my problem is injury related this is a service connected so we'll see. I have been on a Veterans Forum and will see what else I can dig up information and knowledge wise. Thank you.

[whitesatinmopar]

Sorry to hear this kind of news for anyone, but especially anyone young as you. But you have documention/paperwork that proves it occured while on duty and if necessary your legal councel should also bring up the fact that you met physical exam requirements before enlisting, between the two any ruling (if it has to come to that) should certainly be in your favor. Take care and rest the knees and back as much as possible.

[Prowler Orange Challenger]

Yes, it is in the paperwork. I also if need be have a couple of witnesses friends if you don't include the family that could testify that I had no prior knee or back problems before my service. I underwent the surgery to make things better but, it wasn't the case as stated. Now, I can't run or doing anything really physical now. Anyways, thanks for the kind words and I'll see what happens with this.