Question
I was recently denied a claim by the VA stated that I had arthritis in both knees and it was not combat related. I injured my knees in vietnam falling in a ground well and jumping into holes during motor attacks. I had surgrey in 1976 which was a ligment repair to my left knee. I was told that I had the start of degenrite arthritis in my knee. Do just get arthritis and is it caused by injuries.
Answer
To answer your question, the following information has been extracted from the Osteoarthritis-Clinical Presentation section of this website.
“Occupation-related repetitive injury and physical trauma contribute to the development of secondary (non-idiopathic) osteoarthritis(OA), sometimes occurring in joints that are not affected by primary (idiopathic) OA, such as the finger joints, wrists and ankles. Although the prevalence of knee OA is greater in adults who have engaged in occupations that require repetitive bending and strenuous activities, an association with regular, intense exercise remains controversial. Low-impact and recreational exercises are unlikely to constitute a risk factor for knee OA.”
