SPC Private RallyPoint Member 5993986 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my childhood/high school years I played a lot of sports and was pretty prone to ankle injuries. Stepping in holes, or cutting too hard on some turf would make my ankle turn over. I was never seen by a physician for it, and it always just healed on its own. About 6-7 months ago, I ended up hurting it again on a mission, and it hasn’t been the same since. I’m currently in physical therapy, and there’s talk of surgery. I had no problems in basic training, AIT, or any part of my short career up until a few months ago at one specific point. Now it’s preventing me from doing PT to my fullest extent, and makes it extremely difficult and painful to participate in the ACFT. My concern is that all of the MD’s I’m seeing for it (Physical Therapist, and PMC) are sort of hinting that it’s a pre-existing injury. That worries me, that in the case I have to get out of the Army because of it, I’m afraid that they’ll rule that they don’t owe me any disability because they all think I came in with this injury, even though it’s never been as bad/a permanent issue until hurting it on a mission. What can I do in the case I do have to get out?<br /><br />Note: I haven’t screwed myself by telling them about pre existing injury. It’s apparent through physical evaluation that there’s permanent damage. Which I do believe is true, but it’s never been a chronic issue, not until now. Thanks in advance for all the help. 2020-06-11T09:27:09-04:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 5993986

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my childhood/high school years I played a lot of sports and was pretty prone to ankle injuries. Stepping in holes, or cutting too hard on some turf would make my ankle turn over. I was never seen by a physician for it, and it always just healed on its own. About 6-7 months ago, I ended up hurting it again on a mission, and it hasn’t been the same since. I’m currently in physical therapy, and there’s talk of surgery. I had no problems in basic training, AIT, or any part of my short career up until a few months ago at one specific point. Now it’s preventing me from doing PT to my fullest extent, and makes it extremely difficult and painful to participate in the ACFT. My concern is that all of the MD’s I’m seeing for it (Physical Therapist, and PMC) are sort of hinting that it’s a pre-existing injury. That worries me, that in the case I have to get out of the Army because of it, I’m afraid that they’ll rule that they don’t owe me any disability because they all think I came in with this injury, even though it’s never been as bad/a permanent issue until hurting it on a mission. What can I do in the case I do have to get out?<br /><br />Note: I haven’t screwed myself by telling them about pre existing injury. It’s apparent through physical evaluation that there’s permanent damage. Which I do believe is true, but it’s never been a chronic issue, not until now. Thanks in advance for all the help.

2020-06-11T09:27:09-04:00 2020-06-11T09:27:09-04:00 SSgt Christophe Murphy 5994149

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unless they can prove it&#39;s pre-existing you will be fine. . Don&#39;t let the medical folks get in your head. Just know they are just trying to solve a case just like a detective. If you injured it on a mission than it is associated with that event and that is the cause. When people ask about the injury just refer to that event when the injury occurred. If it is a serious injury and you are pending surgery they should have you on some form of light or limited duty so you don&#39;t injure yourself further. Just be fitness minded because height/weight standards still apply regardless of your injury.<br /><br />Make sure everything is documented. <br /><br />Just focus on getting better. If it is a bad injury and progresses to a med board just cross that bridge when you come to it but you haven&#39;t even had surgery yet so don&#39;t stress about something that isn&#39;t a problem yet.

2020-06-11T10:22:21-04:00 2020-06-11T10:22:21-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 5994267

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is not hard to identify issues like this as pre-existing. It will take an MRE. I have quite a few previous injuries. The issue you will have is that there will usually be scar tissue from injuries. My shoulder was hurt pretty bad from a parachute incident. They can see the MRE and see the damage from that injury. The Army, and/or the VA, will give you a disability rating based on the current injury you have. It may not be very much but you should still get something. I can&#39;t say I have ever seen anything get medically separated and not get disability.

2020-06-11T10:56:58-04:00 2020-06-11T10:56:58-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5994937

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The doctors can easily tell its a preexisting injury, all they would really need to do is an MRI and see the damage. When they open you up and see the scar tissue from the healing process, that&#39;s when you lose.

2020-06-11T14:42:02-04:00 2020-06-11T14:42:02-04:00 Cpl Martin Caraway 5995073

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Pre-existing disabilities can still be granted for service connection so long as military service exacerbated the injury/disability beyond reasonable progression.<br />38 C.F.R 3.306<br />Other comments mention to have everything documented, they are correct. If something isn&#39;t right make sure you have it documented. Also when you decide to hang up your uniform there are a lot of organizations that will help you with your disability claim. Until then, stay focused, serve with pride, enjoy the best years of your life, and document everything.

2020-06-11T15:25:22-04:00 2020-06-11T15:25:22-04:00 2020-06-11T09:27:09-04:00