What should I do to deal with my ongoing knee problem while trying to switch branches and not wanting my health records to prevent that?

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 02:12:58 -0400

I have an ongoing knee problem. My knees usually only hurt badly when I walk up a couple flights of stairs or run more than a certain distance. I do what I can during runs until my knees start to give then I walk the rest. My 1SG won’t let me continue and wants me to keep getting profiles every week. I am trying to switching branches and I don’t want my health records to prevent that. What is your best advice?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 13 at 2023 5:50 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:50:14 -0400

First thing I would do is make sure that your knee problems are documented in your records since in my experience it doesn't go away. There are some treatments that can make a difference and they work better if started early. I'm doing sodium hyaluronate injections that allow me to be functional and not eat Naproxen all day, and I didn't start it early. Eventually you will want it on record for the VA.

I would talk to my career counselor. Those guys can usually tell you what is possible and what isn't.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Mar 13 at 2023 5:51 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:51:49 -0400

I recommend going into the medical system and getting fully evaluated for your knee problems. You should not try to conceal it from the military because you're worried about how it might impact your career options. Aside from potentially being deceitful, you could make your knee problem even worse. In the bigger scheme of things, the military is a young person's game, and you'll eventually have to leave the service. However, your knee problems could be a life-long issue if you try to ignore it for short-term gain and make matters even worse. Focus on your health and think long term.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 13 at 2023 7:51 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:51:16 -0400

You have to look at some hard truths with your knees. If your knees start to act up after a few flights of stairs you need to focus more on your knee issue and less about lateral moving to another branch, mos or anything else. Regardless of your military career stairs aren't going away anytime soon so the common factor to address is your knee problem. Weekly profiles clearly aren't fixing the issue. Go to your Primary Care Provider and start walking the dog on addressing your knee issues. You can't hide from this. Military medicine all falls under DHA now. You can't keep your medical history a secret and to think you can you are only fooling yourself.