VA Dr. tells my husband it's all in his head even though he's a fall risk. What do I do? How can I help him?

Cpl Micheal Cox — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 10:21:43 -0400

My husband who is a Marine, has a service connected injury to his left knee. It has been getting worse and worse every day. He has had surgery on the knee with a little bit of bone shaved off. Ever since this surgery he can't put any weight on it. Both him and I think that the Dr who did the surgery screwed up, but we don't have any proof. He has become a fall risk and it's only getting worse. Every time we are at the Orthopedics at the VA we are getting told that it is all in his head. I have asked several times why they think that and have not gotten a straight answer. I am fearful that his knee is going to finally give out to the point that he wont be able to work. He loves working and it's better for him to stay busy than to sit at home doing nothing. I'm not sure what else I can do as his wife/caregiver. I need some advice. Can someone help me? This is Micheal's Wife. NOT MICHEAL

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2020 1:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 13:42:24 -0400

Will likely need to go to an outside ortho to get them to conduct an evaluation on the knee. They will likely need to do imaging to determine if something messed up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2020 2:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:53:09 -0400

My guess would be that they have assessed and scanned the knee post-surgery and found nothing structurally wrong with it. If he has had a recent X-ray, CT, or MRI (since the surgery), you can request the scan(s) for your record, then send it to get a second opinion. This will be a monumentally cheaper option for you than getting a new scan; there are companies online that employ radiologists just for people to self-pay for second opinions.

It could legitimately be psychosomatic pain (in his head), but that still requires treatment. If they say that physically he is fine, then ask for a referral to psych. Psychiatric services could be life-changing for someone with psychosomatic symptoms.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 28 at 2020 8:30 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 20:30:41 -0400

Have you tried getting VA to authorize a contract othro visit?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 29 at 2020 10:16 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:16:36 -0400

If his PCP is validating there is an issue I would recommend a collab between both doctors to find a solution. Another option may be physical therapy because there is most likely other factors in play. I have a knee issue and it has caused additional issues in regards to balance, other knee having issues and back issues. Keep pushing. As long as your primary knows this is real you have a dog in the fight.