First I like quite a few on here am a dual-status national guard technician, I am not yet 50 and have under 17 years "technician time" my situation is that I have Ben experiencing pain in both knees and more significantly I frequently have episodes/incidents of my leg/knee collapsing, sometimes to the point of hitting the floor. I was diagnosed in 2015 with chondromalacia patella of the right knee ( I suspect left as well but never had an MRI TO CONFIRM) since that time I have failed 2 fit tests because of the run time but I have also passed one in between. I am an aircraft mechanic which frequently requires me to be in a squat or kneeling position for an extended period for my job which aggravates my condition, as in extremely painful and difficult to stand up. My question is: is this condition qualifying for technician/OPM retirement due to inability to do the job and how do I initiate? I have given my MRI to base medical and trying to speak with a doctor on base but have not yet. Also my civilian doc did not put me on restriction as of yet, told me to apply moist heat and wear a brace at work. I'm not sure if I need to push the civilian doc to give a restriction and then take to base medical? My concern is not just the run, as my doc said he is more concerned that my knee gives out and I fall into a running machine at work ( band saw, belt sander etc.) just not sure where to start, a friend recently informed me he was retired for this same diagnosis but not sure if it is based on severity? I also am already on an ALC because I have lens implants due to cataract surgery. This affects my job as it is very hard use bifocals when drilling holes in things etc. thanks for any help, advice.