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Medical review?

ussff

Swinger
Hi to the membership :) - I'm not too sure if this is the right place to ask.... so I'll wait to be shot down, or helped - as you see fit!

I need a pointer from the experienced ARRSE members with regard to a new injury that has emerged since I was discharged... I was medically discharged in 96 on a pension with a 20% disabled (service attrib) war pension for a shoulder injury. No probs with that... 10 year review came up in 2006 with no surprises - I've not had a miracle cure from the 13 dislocations and 2 operations and I'm not chasing ambulances for more wonga! Job done, get on with life...

I lost most of my contacts as I moved on with civi life, I put my head down and got on with it. Moving around the UK meant even the pension department lost touch with me for a while.

Last friday I went to see a specialist about my recurring left knee pain, having had an X-ray a week or 2 before. I was expecting to hear "needs a camera and a wash out" ...no such luck. Shock Horror! Late stage 3, osteoarthritis - There's nothing left of the inner knee cartilage. Pain is from bone on bone contact! ....mmmm nice!

Now it looks like I'm about to revisit the past - cos I'm only 45 this year and shouldn't need a new knee for another 20 years... The Doc advised me that it was rare under 50 and if I was an ex-soldier to contact the VA - I did by phone and they are sending out paperwork that may require a new medical review.

I've done nothing seriously physical in the last 15 years and received no trauma to my knees since leaving the army! My knee pain has been building up for quite some time and pressing the clutch to change gear now hurts, which is no small problem for me, at a current average of 700 miles a week!

Its too early for new knees and I'm worried about how to approach this and not sure what is about to drop on the door mat from the VA. This isn't a review on my 'current / discharge' problem... its new and I don't have access to the same advice channels I used to have.

Any pointers greatly received!
 
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