Have I got a case to be medically discharged ? Help Please !!

jonesy709_2

I apologise beforehand for the length of the story !

I am due to leave the RAF later this year (upon 10 years of service) as I submitted my notice to leave last year however I am wondering whether or not I have a case to be Medically Discharged ;

I am 27 and 2 years ago (following months perhaps a couple of years of pain after playing football) I was referred for an MRI scan on my knee and subsequently had key-hole surgery to remove cartilage (I was told by the surgeon that I had a knee of a 70 year old).

Following the surgery I undertook a few weeks physiotherapy then was told by the physio that I could return to playing football etc - however I soon returned to complain about pain in the same knee and was informed by the Doctor that I shouldn't run again as I probably had osteoarthritis yet when I saw the physio again I was informed that I should be fine - giving 2 contradicting versions ! 2 months after surgery I was in 'the field' for pre-deployment training to Afghan which involved a lot of running and rolling about, carrying heavy berghens etc and was in agony afterwards however as I hadn't been downgraded (no idea why not !!) I had to go to Afghanistan for 3 months. Upon my return I complained again about my knee and the consultant explained I had osteoarthritis and would be downgraded for 6 months then I would be fully upgraded and resume normal duties - including the bleep test, weekly circuits etc which I did even though I was in pain.

In the middle of all this before Christmas 09 I submitted my notice to leave however, having been for an MRI scan again it was confirmed I had osteoarthritis and the consultant couldn't believe I was being allowed to run on such a bad knee and he told me never to undertake any impact sports again and I will eventually require a knee replacement.

As they know I am leaving they have now passed me on to the NHS and I am feeling very aggrieved that this is how they are dealing with me as I feel they have been very negligent and they are basically 'fobbing me off'.

Does anyone think I should apply to be mediaclly discharged or even claim compensation against the RAF for the treatment as like I mentioned I am only 27 and believe if I was treated properly my knee wouldn't be as bad as it currently is.

Many thanks

Jonesy

Armymum

Jonesy,

If I were you I would 'get hold of a copy of your Med doc's'' and request an interview at the British legion (pretty sure they can help with this). You can also claim compesation through the Armed forces compensation scheme (google it and it will show tarrifs for injuries, make sure you claim while your still in if injury was after think it's May 05 else its the old Medical pensions scheme).
Sadly we do get badly managed at times with our injuries but they would be more likely to offer you a different job than to Med discharge you. As it was pointed out to me 'there are lads missing limbs still employed in the forces' (totally take my hat off to these guys/girls).

Goodluck

ajmoney

Not sure about the RAF but in the Navy if you have already put in your notice then you wouldn't be medically discharged. With us you have to have been downgraded for a year before you are referred to the board which can be up to 6 months later. However if negligence of your docs/physios is the case then you may get compensation. As I say though this is just the Navy way of doing things.

dunloadin

Not sure where you stand on this as I've been out the RAF a few years now (ex plumber), as Armymum points out the Britsh Legion are a good starting point if you still serving; they helped a mate of mine out.

Highly unlikley you'll get a med discharge if you already have a leaving date, ask your Gen Office/HR people, or seek advice from the Chief Clerk.

If you arn't too worried about the flack/banter you will inevitably get try posting your question on E-Goat.

LizzyP

Jonesy, I'm still in recovery from a knee injury after 14 months and I was offered a medical discharge by my original MO. I think it's worth asking the question of your MO and taking a bit of advice from your Unit Welfare Officer if you have one, or the AWS equivalent. Nothing wrong in asking around, especially if you've deployed since your injury. My Unit are super careful about anything I can do after I suffered a setback on an exercise I was assured I could do (seriously who makes a soldier on crutches go on ex?). Now my MO has to approve everything.