How To Prevent Heart Failure
When a veteran realizes that they have heart failure, they must be able to take action and do their best to treat it. If you consume alcohol daily, try limiting your use. Incorporate an active lifestyle to keep your heart flowing and helping your overall bodily function. If you have high blood pressure, read thisarticle for tips on starting immediately. The more you know about preventing heart failure, the better you can understand the benefits and lessen your risks.
Va Disability Rating For Hyperthyroidism And Hypothyroidism
When setting a VA disability rating for hyperthyroidism, the VA sets an initial rating percentage of 30% for six months after the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. After six months, your VA disability rating is determined by rating the residuals. This means a residual rating is determined for each symptom you experience and an aggregate disability rating is calculated from those residual ratings using VA math. You can see a complete detail of the law in 38 CFR § 4.119.
For example, if your symptoms include heart problems, eye problems, and tremors, each disability would be individually rated, then the VA math formula would be applied to produce an overall hyperthyroidism VA disability rating.
This process can be highly advantageous for service members and veterans with severe cases of hyperthyroidism or cases that affect many different body systems. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, you could receive a disability rating in excess of the 30% initial rating for hyperthyroid.
The process of setting a VA disability rating for hypothyroid is similar. If myxedema is present, the VA sets an initial disability rating of 100% for six months after diagnosis. If myxedema is not present, the VA sets an initial rating percentage of 30% for six months post-diagnosis.
How the VA combined rating table works:
Va Ratings For Heart Conditions
The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities has several codes under which heart disease can be evaluated. The appropriate code will be determined by whether you have had a myocardial infarction , heart failure, valvular disease, or surgery, such as a heart bypass. For each code, the VA has several different fixed ratings, depending on your symptoms or episodes. Here is how some of the more common heart problems are rated.
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What Is Heart Failure
As mentioned earlier, heart failure is a weak heart that cannot sustain its strength. Many factors contribute to heart failure, and one must recognize the severity of it.
A healthy heart consists of blood continually flowing throughout the body. When the heart relaxes, it fills with blood. The squeezing of the core causes the blood to carry the nutrients as well. When heart failure occurs, the squeezing is almost non-existent; therefore, less blood throughout the body.;
Heart failure is a chronic condition and will worsen over time. The essential ingredient is to understand the situation. The more you can gain knowledge of heart failure, the better your options on recognizing the symptoms, and to properly treat it.
How Does The Va Rate Kidney Disease
If youre a veteran with kidney disease, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The VA will consider several factors when rating this disease.
The VA rates kidney disease under the genitourinary system. There are two separate rating schedules: one for dysfunctions and one for diagnoses . In most cases, the rating code for diagnoses will reference the dysfunctions rating code for proper evaluation of the severity of the condition.
For example if you have chronic kidney disease, and now require regular dialysis, the VA is supposed to rate your condition under Chronic renal disease requiring regular dialysis . In addition, this particular rating code requires the VA rater to consider renal dysfunctions when evaluating your condition, under the dysfunctions rating schedule.
The VA rates chronic kidney disease primarily as a renal dysfunction, and has 5 rating percentages for this condition: 0 percent, 30 percent, 60 percent, 80 percent, and 100 percent. These percentages are based on:
- The amount of albuminuria present in a urine sample, with edema ; AND/OR
- The amount of waste collected in a blood test; OR
- A rating of high blood pressure under the VAs diagnostic code; OR
- Generalized poor health
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Can I Get Va Disability For My Hypertension
Like many other veterans you may suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure. And this condition may have been caused by your military service. But it can be hard to show that your time in the military caused your hypertension, when around 50% of all Americans suffer from this condition. Fortunately, hypertension is a condition that benefits from a presumption of being service related. In other words, if you develop hypertension at the 10 percent rating level or higher within one year of your discharge, the VA will conclude that the condition was caused by your military service.
If the onset of your high blood pressure occurs more than ayear after your discharge, you will have a harder time gettingcompensationbut its not impossible. You will need to present your detailedmedical history and service records to show that the conditions of your servicecaused your increase in blood pressure. And if the VA rejects your claim, we atJackson & MacNichol can help. For a free consultation with one of ourveterans disability lawyers, call us today at 1 524-3339.
Hypertension Is One of the Most Common Disabilities AmongVeterans
- Blurredvision
- Fatigueor inability to concentrate
- Shortnessof breath
- Irregularheart beat
- Poundingin your ears, neck, or chest
According to the VA guidelines, you may receive adisability rating of 10% to 60% for hypertension:
Appeal Your Disability Claim Denial with a VeteransBenefits Lawyer
Getting Service Connected For Heart Disease: What Evidence Is Needed
As with other service-connected conditions, the most important pieces of evidence needed to prove service connection are your medical records. Ideally, these records will include documents diagnosing you with heart disease that began in service or that was made worse during your military service and specifying the severity of the condition and its effects on your daily functioning. In addition to providing both in-service and post-service medical records to the VA, you should also submit any military service records showing an in-service diagnosis of heart disease, onset of symptoms, or change of duty due to your heart condition. Other helpful evidence could include signed statements from family members, friends, and others familiar with your condition. Overall, you want to provide as much information to the VA as possible showing that your heart disease was caused or exacerbated by your military service.;;
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Overview Of High Blood Pressure
The medical term for;high blood pressure;is hypertension. Blood flows through the arteries under pressure. The blood volume leaving your heart and the arterial resistance affects this pressure.
When more blood travels through narrowed arteries, the pressure increases. Diseases can cause arteries to narrow and lose elasticity.
Doctors refer to blood pressure in two numbers. Systolic is the top number and diastolic is the bottom number.
Systolic measures the pressure as the blood leaves the heart. The diastolic measures the pressure when the heart fills with blood. An average normal adult blood pressure is about 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.
Receiving Social Security Disability & Va Disability Benefits
The benefits for Ischemic Heart Disease are not funded by the same program like Social Security Disability benefits, so receiving assistance for both is possible. Ischemic Heart Disease, caused by myocardial ischemia symptoms, is listed in the Blue Book, otherwise known as the Social Security Impairment Listing Manual. Applicants are required to demonstrate that their condition results in very serious limitations in the ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities of daily living in order to collect Social Security Disability benefits. Most applicants will be required to have recent heart test results, findings from a current physical exam and data gathered from an exercise tolerance test.
Even those who may have been denied Social Security Disability can still qualify for benefits through the VA. Each program, however, requires separate eligibility requirements, and Woods and Woods can help clarify any concerns and answer questions.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:;
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange who are experiencing qualified impairments or who have already been diagnosed with Ischemic Heart Disease qualify for VA benefits. If you are having difficulties getting disability compensation for your presumptive condition, understanding the terms, eligibility requirements, and processes is critical to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
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High Blood Pressure Va Rating
High Blood Pressure Zicam Hypertension Urgency Symptoms high blood pressure lifestyle Changes By tackling blood pressure before the readings become too high means that smaller lifestyle changes can make a big difference. This also means that more drastic measures, such as prescribing High blood pressure can cause a persons arteries to harden and thicken, leading to health complicationsHigh Blood Pressure Jitters high blood pressure Heart Attack “It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke over the lifetime about 2 ½-fold,” said Dr. Hyagriv Simhan, Its when a woman has high blood pressure and some of her organs, like her kidneys and “Exercise preserves the strength and flexibility of the heart and enables blood
A rating under this code cannot be combined with a rating for the underlying condition that caused the high blood pressure. Only the code that allows for the highest rating can be used for the condition. A rating for high blood pressure can, however, be used in addition to ratings for hypertensive heart disease and other heart diseases.
12/20/2013 ;·A new guideline for the management of high blood pressure, developed by an expert panel and containing nine recommendations and a treatment algorithm to help doctors treat patients with hypertension, was published online on December 18, 2013 by JAMA.
Do You Need Help With A Va Disability Claim
Time is important when filing an application for a VA disability rating or an appeal. This article explained the VA Disability Rating for High Blood Pressure. It also described the process for the initial application and appeals.
Woods & Woods VA disability lawyers provide assistance to veterans at no charge. They offer advice on how to file your initial VA compensation claim. Their expertise can help you receive the benefits youre due.
If you wish to appeal the VA decision, our experts are here for you. Weve helped thousands of veterans file appeals and obtain individual unemployability benefits. Contact us today for a;free legal consultation.
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How Does The Va Rate Heart Conditions
The VA rates heart conditions under the ratings for Cardiovascular Systems. The rating is primarily based on a test called a metabolic equivalent test , otherwise known as exercise testing.
METs measures the energy cost on your heart during different physical activities. It also measures when an individual starts to experience symptoms during physical activity and how strenuous the activity was.
The higher the METs rating, the more efficient your heart is, the lower your disability rating is going to be. Other symptoms that the VA looks at are shortness of breath, fatigue, angina , dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness. For most heart conditions the VA will assign a 0, 10, 30, 60 or 100 percent rating.
Whats Your Va Disability Rating For High Blood Pressure
Veterans with high blood pressure may be surprised to find out their disability might be service-connected and be eligible for VA compensation.
Has your health provider diagnosed you with high blood pressure? This is not something to ignore. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer.
Are you a veteran who completed your service in the past year? If so, you may be eligible for a VA disability rating for high blood pressure. This article will explain everything you need to know about this rating.
The rules are different for service members that are less than a year out. Lets explore the details and call us for free if you need help.
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Common Symptoms Of Hypertension In Veterans
High blood pressure symptoms vary from veteran to veteran.
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!
You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to a;heart attack;or;stroke.
You may also have another serious health condition that requires medical attention.
Symptoms of Severe Hypertension in Veterans
If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain;symptoms to look out for, including:
- Severe;headaches
- Blood spots in eyes
How Do I Apply To Receive A Rating For My Condition
If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.
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Ischemic Heart Disease Va Disability Benefits Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for benefits, veterans must have been discharged honorably and have a qualified diagnosis for Ischemic Heart Disease. It is important to consider that there are a wide variety of impairments that fall under the umbrella of Ischemic Heart Disease, so check with your doctor. Doing so could mean an increase in your disability benefits.
Veterans must file a claim to receive benefits; claims are not automatically filed by your doctor. You may need to provide proof that you were exposed to Agent Orange based on when and where you served, but the VA will be able to assist you with that process.
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The VA doesnt usually give 100% TDIU for just a single disability. They typically add up disabilities and veterans meet the criteria like this:
1. You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or 2 or more service-connected disabilitieswith at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or moreand2. You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially because of your service-connected disability. Odd jobs , dont count.
% On One Or More Of The Following:
- 8, 9, or 10 METs on the shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue or fainting
- Daily medication;;
As a veteran with congestive heart failure, it is essential to understand the symptoms, treatments, and ratings. You must be able to consult with your physician on further instruction. By learning the basic terminology, you can educate yourself and help others as well!
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Special Monthly Compensation For Serious Disabilities
Can a Veteran Receive Additional Payments for Serious Disabilities?
VA can pay additional compensation to a veteran who, as a result of military service, incurred the loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities.
What Is Considered Loss or Loss of Use?
Loss, or loss of use, is described as either an amputation or, having no effective remaining function of an extremity or organ. The disabilities VA can consider for SMC include:
- loss, or loss of use, of a hand or foot
- immobility of a joint or paralysis
- loss of sight of an eye
- loss, or loss of use, of a reproductive organ
- complete loss, or loss of use, of both buttocks
- deafness of both ears
- inability to communicate by speech
- loss of a percentage of tissue from a single breast, or both breasts, from mastectomy or radiation treatment
What if I Have a Combination of These Disabilities?
VA will pay higher rates for combinations of these disabilities such as loss or loss of use of the feet, legs, hands, and arms, in specific monetary increments, based on the particular combination of the disabilities. There are also higher payments for various combinations of severe deafness with bilateral blindness.
Additional SMC is available if a veteran is service connected for paraplegia, with complete loss of bowel and bladder control.
In addition, if you have other service-connected disabilities that, in combination with the above special monthly compensation, meet certain criteria, a higher amount of SMC can also be considered.
How The Va Rates Cardiovascular System Impairments
Under 38 CFR § 4.104, the VA provides a schedular rating system for heart disease and a number of other cardiovascular-related conditions. In this section, I will include the rating schedules for several of the most common cardiovascular conditions claimed by veterans:
- Diagnostic code 7005: Arteriosclerotic heart disease
- With documented coronary artery disease resulting in: Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent: 100%
- More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or; workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent: 60%
- Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray: 30%
- Workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; continuous medication required: 10%
- Diagnostic code 7007: Hypertensive heart disease
- Diagnostic code 7000: Valvular heart disease
- During active infection with valvular heart damage and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection: 100%
Thereafter:
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