Over 180,000 young Americans enlist for services in the United States Armed Forces. For most of these individuals, joining the military is something they do to serve their country and secure a good future for themselves and their families. If you have served in the Armed Forces, you know how difficult this job can be. During your time in the one of the branches of the United States military, you probably did a lot of heavy lifting. If you worked a job that required you to jump out of planes or conduct other high risk training then chances are your knees are not in great shape.
While most former military members know about VA disability for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, they are unaware that disability payments can be made to veterans who have gone through knee replacement surgery. The following is information regarding VA disability for knee replacement.
Signs That You Need a Knee Replacement
Most people fail to realize just how important their knees are until they start to experience problems with this essential body part. People who need knee replacement surgery will usually have underlying conditions like osteoarthritis or gout. Detailing a history of your condition in relation to your military service is crucial when trying to get a VA disability claim approved. Some signs of impending need for knee replacement may include (although not always):
· Little to no change in your knee problems after physical therapy or medications
· Constant swollen or stiff knees
· Weakness in your knees
· The presence of damaged cartilage
Your treating doctor may consider referrals for Physical Therapy, pain management, imaging studies like X-rays and MRI’s, and Orthopedic Surgery evaluation.
Knowing The Difference Between a Partial and Full Knee Replacement
Getting to know more about the knee replacement process is essential before going in for this procedure. Your knee has three basic compartments. If each of these parts is damaged, then a total knee replacement is generally a course of consideration. However, if only one of these compartments is damaged, you might be able to get by with a partial knee replacement depending on the severity. On average, a new knee will last around 20 years.
During the knee replacement process, a surgeon will remove the damaged compartments of your knee and replace them with an implant. Generally, it will take a considerable amount of physical therapy before you feel less pain and more mobility in your knee.
Establishing a Service Connection For Your Knee Replacement
One of the most important things to consider in relation to knee conditions and VA disability VA disability is showing a link or “nexus” between your condition and your service. If there is a longstanding history documented in your active-duty service treatment record this may strengthen the connection. If there is an extended period of time in between your service and the present you may need to be able to illustrate why there may be a gap in care. A strong personal statement can go a long way, but receiving an independent medical opinion from your treating provider or an expert medical company may be an option, although not typically a requirement.
Are you in need of an independent medical opinion? If so, the team at Prestige World Medical Consulting can help you out.
