Question:
I had left ankle reconstruction while on active duty in 1992. I was awarded 10% for service connected Osteoarthritis in my left ankle. In 2016 had my first back surgery replacing 2 disks in my back (L2-L3 & L3-L4) then in 2018 has my second back surgery on L5-S1. I have seen references about an ankle dysfunction causing an altered gait that can aggravate problems in the joints even if it does not cause them. I am looking for a medical paper ( or the equivalent) that supports this. Thanks for your time.
Jim's Reply:
You're seeking information about how to file for a secondary condition, which is here. For many years veterans have linked foot, ankle and knee problems to back and hip issues with limited success. To do this properly requires a lot more than a vague paper suggesting a link or nexus...you need an IMO to file such a claim. If you are able to obtain a favorable IMO, only then you should file the claim.