By Patty Sheats
A service-connected joint problem can affect more than the original injury. Limping, favoring one side or using a cane may alter a veteran’s gait and place added stress on the knees, hips and back.
Common secondary conditions include hip, back or opposite-knee problems related to a service-connected injury resulting in pain, numbness or weakness caused by spinal nerve irritation. Neck conditions may also lead to arm or hand radiculopathy or headaches. Amputation can contribute to back and opposite-side joint problems. Chronic pain may also be associated with depression or sleep difficulties.
Under 38 CFR § 3.310, veterans generally need medical evidence connecting the new condition to an established service-connected disability. Helpful documentation may include gait notes in your records describing limping or assistive devices, imaging, EMG testing and a physician’s linking new joint complaint to the rated one.
Here’s what to say to your primary care doctor so the VA connects it:
Instead of saying, “my other knee hurts now”, say “since my service connected right knee, Ive favored the leg and now my left knee has pain, swelling, [x] number of days a week.”
Radiculopathy may be evaluated separately from a spine condition, with ratings potentially assigned by nerve and by side. Veterans should describe specific symptoms, frequency and affected sides rather than simply reporting that a limb “hurts” or “goes numb.”
Source: Veterans Claims Education, “Secondary Conditions, Part 2: Joints, Back and Nerves” —https://www.veteransclaimsedu.com/.
References: 38 CFR § 3.310, 38 CFR § 4.71a, 38 CFR § 4.124a. Find an accredited VSO](https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/).
