Question:

Can I file a claim for arthritis as I have had one knee replaced and the second one is schedule for Oct.1.   I have been out of the Navy for almost 40 years. I am a Vietnam Vet. exposed to Agent Orange

Jim's Reply:

You can file a claim for anything at all. I have doubts that you can win a claim based on what you told me. It sounds like you have arthritis because you're getting older, not because of the fact you served 40 years ago. If you can legitimately connect the knee problem to an event in service, then maybe...otherwise, I wouldn't bother with filing.