I know where you are coming from. I worked for one of the biggest CATV company for 19 years. I thought the same thing as you did. Only I had a major accident that came close to losing my life. Had been going to the VA for about 30 years, and just figured it was caused by climbing poles, and other things that deal with. Everytime I went to the VA they ask to I hurt anywhere and how bad. Fast forward to 2013. The pain finally got to a point where I could barely get out of bed. Called my PCP and told him what's going on. He told me to get there ASAP. I went back the next day, he had blood drawn. Came into his room and said that we have a problem. Both my wife and I looked at each other and fearing the worse was coming. He got an appointment for me to see a rhumatologist. I had to retire at the end of the year. My company was very nice and I received a severance package I could not resist.