Knee pain is a common complaint among veterans, often stemming from the rigorous physical demands placed on military personnel. Among the various causes of knee pain, ankle pain is a significant yet frequently overlooked factor. Leah delves into knee pain secondary to ankle pain in veterans disability, highlighting how these conditions can impact veterans’ disability claims.
The Prevalence of Orthopedic Injuries in the Military
Military service involves high-impact activities that can lead to various orthopedic injuries. Service members often endure injuries to the ankles, knees, back, and other parts of the body due to the physically demanding nature of their duties. Whether it’s routine physical training, specific tasks related to their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), or the demands of their particular branch of service, these activities can take a toll on their musculoskeletal system. As a result, orthopedic injuries are prevalent among military personnel.
Understanding Service Connection for Knee Pain
Veterans can receive disability ratings for knee pain on both a direct and secondary basis. Direct service connection is established if the knee injury occurred during military service, such as through an injury or surgery. On the other hand, secondary service connection is relevant when an already service-connected condition, such as ankle pain, contributes to or aggravates knee pain. This concept is crucial for veterans experiencing knee pain as a consequence of ankle pain sustained during service.
The Link Between Ankle and Knee Pain
The connection between ankle pain and knee pain is supported by various studies and medical literature. Understanding this relationship is essential for establishing a secondary service connection for veterans’ disability claims.
- Ankle Pain and Knee Osteoarthritis: A 2021 study published in the University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division found a link between ankle pain and the onset of knee osteoarthritis. The research indicated that foot and ankle symptoms are common among middle-aged and older adults, and isolated joint pain in osteoarthritis is rare. The study highlighted that symptoms and structural osteoarthritis in lower extremity joints, like the ankle, can affect other joints, such as the knee, kinematically.
- Chronic Ankle Instability and Knee Injuries: A 2019 study titled “Chronic Ankle Instability Leads to Lower Extremity Kinematic Changes During Landing Tasks: A Systematic Review” published in the International Journal of Exercise Science found that patients with chronic ankle instability exhibit decreased knee flexion. Decreased knee flexion is identified as a key risk factor for non-contact knee injuries, suggesting that chronic ankle instability can contribute to knee problems.
- Foot and Ankle Symptoms and Knee Osteoarthritis: Research published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in 2017 investigated whether foot and ankle symptoms are risk factors for developing knee symptoms and symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between foot and ankle symptoms and the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
- Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis and Ankle Characteristics: Another study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research in 2020 explored the association between foot and ankle characteristics and knee symptoms in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. The findings indicated that foot and ankle characteristics could be related to patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis.
- Impact of Foot and Lower Extremity Issues: An article from the University of Rochester Medical Center titled “Are Feet at Fault for Back, Hip, and Knee Woes?” discussed the relationship between foot issues and problems in the lower extremities. The study emphasized that improper shock absorption or weight redistribution by the feet during walking could lead to problems elsewhere in the body, including the knees.
Weight Gain as an Intermediate Factor
Weight gain can be an intermediate factor linking service-connected disabilities and secondary conditions like knee pain. Obesity, often a consequence of reduced mobility due to service-connected disabilities, can exacerbate joint problems and arthritis. If a veteran can demonstrate that their weight gain is due to a service-connected disability, this can strengthen their claim for secondary service connection. For instance, if an ankle injury leads to decreased physical activity, resulting in weight gain, and subsequently causes or worsens knee pain, this chain of events can be used to support a disability claim.
Navigating the Claims Process
Veterans seeking to establish a secondary service connection for knee pain related to ankle pain need to provide comprehensive medical evidence. This includes medical literature supporting the link between the conditions, detailed medical evaluations, and expert opinions.
Expert Assistance and Resources
Physician assistants, like Leah Bucholz from Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, play a crucial role in providing detailed medical reports that can support veterans’ disability claims. However, it’s important to note that while medical professionals can provide evidence and reports, veterans should seek advice and representation from accredited VA representatives, claims agents, or VA attorneys for the claims process.
Conclusion
Knee pain secondary to ankle pain is a significant issue for veterans, affecting their quality of life and disability claims. Understanding the relationship between these conditions, supported by medical research, is crucial for establishing secondary service connection. Veterans experiencing knee pain related to service-connected ankle pain should gather comprehensive medical evidence and seek expert assistance to navigate the claims process effectively. By doing so, they can secure the benefits they deserve for their service-connected disabilities.
Also read: Carpal Tunnel and VA Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
