va disability hypertension controlled by medication

Since that time, we have provided compassionate The codes state that if continuous medication is required, the VA will give the minimum rating of 10%. 0000003110 00000 n For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Generally, your blood pressure is determined in two ways: (#1) The amount of blood your heart pumps and (#2) The amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. Please, if you have any of these symptoms, go see a doctor right away! This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. What the PACT Act Means for Veterans Suffering From Agent Orange Hypertension, Clinical Corner: A Disability Examiners Perspective on Agent Orange Hypertension. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. 49, 53 (1990). Will I lose VA benefits if medicine improves my condition? Therefore, the VA is not allowed to consider the relief it provides when determining the degree of disability. Considerable medical evidence has shown that reducing your blood pressure can contribute to a significant reduction in risk for stroke among veterans. In this guide, well explore how to get a VA Rating for High Blood Pressure even if youve already filed a VA claim or been denied benefits. As part of the 2022 PACT Act, which expands benefits for veterans exposed to toxins during service, hypertension was added as a presumptive condition for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. As of December 2018, veterans claiming benefits for hypertension may receive a disability rating of 10% with monthly compensation of $140.05, while a disability rating of 20% may receive 276.84 per month. 0000018327 00000 n Typically, this means medical evidence of high blood pressure readings above normal over an extended period. LIFETIME Subscription to the Veterans Law Blog, Quarterly Subscription to the Veterans Law Blog, Annual Subscription to the Veterans Law Blog, granting a service-connected disability rating, disabled if you are taking insulin for diabetes, sleep apnea is gone once you start using a CPAP, assist you in proving the highest lawful rate that you are entitled to, 2012 decision of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, HOWyou try to showthe elements of service-connection, difference between a grant and a denial of a claim, Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). As most of you know, the very first step for any VA disability claimis that you have to be able to show that you suffer from a current disability.. Generally, the more severe your disability, the higher the VA rating youll receive. If an executive department wants to add language about medication to other diagnostic codes, it may. Adding Hypertension for VA Healthcare Benefits After the PACT Act. For VA purposes, hypertension as a disability is defined as 90 or higher for the diastolic number and 160 or higher for systolic. 38 CFR 4.104 - Schedule of ratings - cardiovascular system. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. For veterans who served in Vietnam and suffered Agent Orange exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that you no longer need to prove that Agent Orange caused your high blood pressure. Please complete this form to send us your message. Some veterans Ive spoken with recall being told that Agent Orange was safe enough to drink. Not only is this wrong, but it couldnt be further from the truth. Of course, every once in a while, we would come across the Admin or Training Chief who acted as if the money to buy Skilcraft pens remember those things was coming out of his/her own pocket. In the Jones v. Shinseki case, Jones suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). PDF Hypertension DBQ Form - United States Coast Guard Medical diagnosis of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. Top 5 Tips for fighting Veteran Hypertension - VA Claims Insider You stated you take 20mg daily. While the reason why the dioxin chemical in AO causes high blood pressure hasnt been proven, it is theorized to be a result of the dioxin binding with a specific type of receptor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) commonly found in blood vessels. Keep in mind the VA checks were after being on medication for high blood pressure for over 4 years. If the VA denies your benefits, you may want to file an appeal. Hypertension or "High Blood Pressure" is rated under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diseases of the Arteries and Veins, Diagnostic Code 7101. 0000007421 00000 n Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe trauma disorder common among veterans. Contact Woods and Woods to file an initial claim or appeal a rating decision. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? trailer Having said that, every once in a while, you run across a rating official who is looking for reasons to deny or reduce your claim rather than reasons to grant what you rate. 0000084988 00000 n Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! VA treatment records show that the Veteran is prescribed medication for hypertension and his blood pressure is currently under control. Think of this as the ultimate guide to getting service connected for hypertension (high blood pressure) even if youve been denied previously. The problem is, a lot of Veterans believe them, because it sounds pretty reasonable. VA Disability For Hypertension // Appeals, Claims, Denials - Vet Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Contact Us Today. Once the VA processes your claim for benefits, you will receive a confirmation or denial. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and it has two numbers. Disabilities labeled as static, stable, or permanent are usually not scheduled for reexamination, nor are disabilities rated at the minimum. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on October 18, 2022 by Mike Woods Last Updated on November 7, 2022. The ratings for hypertension are 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% depending on your high blood pressure severity. In this post, we will be taking a deep dive into the legal and medical requirements for how to get aVA Rating for Hypertension. These are a few things to keep in mind to help strengthen your case and prepare for your C&P Exam if you want to add hypertension to your disability claims: The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association both define the earliest stage of hypertension as a systolic blood pressure (SBP, or the top number in a BP reading) greater than 130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP, or the bottom number) as greater than 80 mm HG. VA Rating for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Explained - The A private physician can complete the form for you. #1. 0000008255 00000 n document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I had been going back and forth with the VA since 2009 about various health conditions that happen during my time in the Navy. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for high blood pressure is to have medical evidence showing the worsening of your symptoms over time. That being said, if service connection is granted and your BP remains under control with meds your rating will be 0%. While many other health conditions, like diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer, have long had presumptive condition status, this represents a major victory in a long history of working to see high blood pressure added to this Agent Orange list for Vietnam War vets, thus allowing them access to certain VA benefits. 2. of . Its possible for your Hypertension to be caused or made worse by another service connected disability for secondary service connection, and vice versa. These two numbers will affect your final VA disability rating for hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) symptoms vary from veteran to veteran. Unless the effects of medications are specifically included in the impairment rating criteria for your condition, the VA is NOTallowed to consider whether a particular medication moderates a Veterans condition in determining the degree of disability. Making the Sausage: Heres what you need to know about new VA Claims regulations. If your blood pressure is high, there are symptoms you need to watch out for, including: Are you STUCK, FRUSTRATED and UNDERRATED? For a 10% rating, the schedule states a veteran must experience occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. The criteria for higher ratings for mental disorders do not mention medication. VA heart condition ratings are used to determine VA disability compensation for veterans with a service-connected heart condition. Providers refer to these downstream effects as sequelae. And because these changes often happen without obvious symptoms, hypertension has developed a reputation as a silent killer., Between 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was developed by the Army Chemical Corps and used as a tactical herbicide to make war operations easier and reduce opportunities for enemies to hide behind foliage. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. If the diagnostic code for your condition does not mention medication, andwith or without ityou meet the criteria outlined in the Schedule of Ratings for benefits for your service-connected disability, you will qualify for those benefits. If most of your recent blood pressure readings have shown a diastolic reading of 100 or greater simply request a re-evaluation and provide VA with those medical records. However, unless medication is mentioned in the Schedule of Ratings under the conditions diagnostic code, the VA may not consider the beneficial effect of a veterans medication in assigning a rating. Just like your old chain-of-command in the military had a responsibility to help you get the resources you needed to accomplish your mission as a soldier, the VA also has a responsibility to assist you in proving the highest lawful rate that you are entitled to. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. You can still get a formal VA hypertension diagnosis if you're already on medication for high blood pressure, so this really only affects people who are trying to control their high blood pressure without medication. CFR Title 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diseases of the Arteries and Veins, Diagnostic Code 7101, You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more, Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more, Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control, #1. The following is an incomplete list of examples of when the VA can consider the effects of medication when assigning a disability rating. New Hypertension Treatment Guidelines Veterans Need To Know The hypertension ratings appear to require (understandably) high blood pressure readings. Asthma, which often requires medication, is rated under diagnostic code 6602. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The lowest rating for the condition is 10%, and it lists minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control as one of the reasons for being given the rating. An attorney can also help you appeal a previous VA rating decision regarding hypertension or associated secondary disabilities, if necessary. VA rating for hypertension secondary to PTSD, VA rating for hypertension secondary to anxiety, VA rating for hypertension secondary to sleep apnea, VA compensation for gout secondary to hypertension, VA disability for chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension, VA rating for hypertension while on medication. 0000004237 00000 n evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control; In order for the VA to evaluate this condition for determination of a schedular disability rating, the veteran's hypertension must be confirmed by . If you dont have your own blood pressure machine, you can get a reading taken at any local pharmacy. PTSD is not cured. However, some veterans may be concerned that if the medication works well, they may no longer qualify for benefits or a certain disability rating. The levels range from daily use of high-dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications to intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. There are a variety of hypertension secondary disability conditions as well, to include Hypertension secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Hypertension secondary to Kidney Disease, Hypertension secondary to Thyroid, and Hypertension secondary to side effects of certain medications. No. Regulation Update: VA Ratings for Kidney Disease and Renal Dysfunction. Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control: 10 : Note (1): Hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken . If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Also, complete any appropriate questionnaires for hypertension-related complications, if any, such as Kidney, if renal insufficiency is attributable to hypertension. The VA has a responsibility to Help you Get the Highest SupportableRating inYour VA Disability Claim. Veterans with PTSD are prone to hypertension because of PTSDs fear-related symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, and avoidance. The VA does have the option to reevaluate disabilities every 2 to 5 years and assign updated ratings. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 According to the VA guidelines, you may receive a disability rating of 10% to 60% for hypertension: 10% rating -When your diastolic pressure is 100 to 109, or your systolic pressure is 160 to 199 20% rating -If your diastolic pressure is 110 to 119, or your systolic pressure is 200 or higher ), Gender (Males are more prone to hypertension. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Learn more about how VA Claims Insider can help you get the rating you DESERVE!Speak with a VA Disability expert and start for FREE! per day to control his blood pressure. The application process for the V.A. Navigating the rules about how medications affect VA benefits and figuring out if your rating decision applied the rules correctly can be challenging. The VA rating for high blood pressure is anywhere from 10% to 60%, depending on how high the veterans blood pressure readings are. 1481 0 obj <> endobj Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. Find out what benefits you qualify for with a 0% disability rating and if you can file for an increased disability rating. As an example, say a Veteran has been able to service-connect Irritable Bowel Syndrome (DC 7319). VA Disability Law; New VA Appeals Process; A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules; . Also, in my VA record at that time, was, because of an LOD for high blood pressure on 06/29/04, was a reading during my "age 40" physical, of 156/103 and the civilian doctor on 08/25/04, of 170/106. It measures the pressure as blood leaves the heart. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices If youre already on medication for hypertension, youll likely need to include those medical records (including blood pressure readings) in your claim. Once youve established a service connection for your current disability, the VA Regional Office will compare the symptoms and impact of that condition (using your medical records and examinations) to the criteria listed in the VA Schedule of Disability Ratings. The readings must be 160/90 or higher for hypertension. we represent clients nationwide. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. High Blood Pressure is often referred to as a silent killer because you typically dont know that you have it, and yet, its a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Be glad you hypertension is under control. Your High Blood Pressure was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service, #3. But, when it comes to hypertension, some veterans may already be on medication to help control the issue and level out their blood pressure. VA Disability Compensation Benefits for hypertension: How to qualify The issue was settled by a 2012 decision of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and in general, the answer is no. Getting Veterans (VA) Disability for Hypertension | CCK Law No . Apneic episodes (when you stop breathing) from Sleep Apnea produce surges in systolic and diastolic pressure that keep mean blood pressure levels elevated at night. Remember the VA disability compensation system provides veterans with tax-free monetary relief for theaverage impairment of earnings capacity. Did the VA Benefit of the Doubt Rule just disappear? This is likely not recorded in your medical records in this highly specific way, so the best thing to do is to take your blood pressure at home and keep a log so you can provide it during your exam. When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran. Does the veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, or symptoms related to the conditions listed in the diagnosis section above? For high blood pressure (hypertension) specifically, the VA will assess your ability to perform physical and mental activities, as well as your overall quality of life. If the veteran does have a diagnosis of High Blood Pressure that conforms to VA rating standards, indicate the type, ICD Code, and date of diagnosis. Pre-hypertension is generally defined as systolic pressure between 120mm and 139mm and diastolic pressure from 80mm to 89mm.. Pre-hypertension is . Medication plays an essential role in controlling the symptoms of PTSD and other mental disorders. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. eCFR :: 38 CFR 4.104 -- Schedule of ratingscardiovascular system. Already working with us? JoinVA Claims Insider, get instant access to the Elite Experience Portal Plus (EEP+) and $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources and start FREE today: >> Click HERE Now to Join VA Claims Insider Elite and Start for FREE Today! High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is rated underCFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diseases of the Arteries and Veins, Diagnostic Code 7101. This makes good sense, because if your disability doesnt affect you, the VA wont compensate you for that condition. #8. The same concept applies in the human body, where arteries sustain inflammation as a precursor to blockages and heart attacks, the heart grows too large and becomes ineffective, and the kidneys suffer slow, quiet damage, among many other negative effects. TDIU benefits are for veterans who can no longer work because of their service-connected disabilities. Heres a list of common secondary conditions to Hypertension: What Should I Expect at a VA C&P Exam for Hypertension? If left untreated, hypertension can damage blood vessels and overwork the heart. 0000010049 00000 n Call Joye Law Firm now at 877-941-1019 or use our online form to schedule a free review of your VA disability claim. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Recommendation 1: "ACP and AAFP recommend that clinicians initiate treatment in adults aged 60 years or older with systolic blood pressure persistently at or above 150 mm Hg to achieve a target . Health issues associated with high blood pressure include: Sleep apnea can be a cause and a consequence of hypertension. 0000012136 00000 n 0000005309 00000 n It currently handles claims of exposure in these locations on a case-by-case basis: Various conditions are secondary to hypertension. Shinseki (2012), the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) held that veterans are entitled to disability ratings based on their unmedicated condition (i.e., the higher disability evaluation) if the effects of the medication are not explicitly mentioned in the rating schedule. Veterans with fibromyalgia experience pain all over their bodies. Felicia W. - An Army veteran from South Carolina. Tricare treatment records also show elevated blood pressure, with diastolic pressures predominantly in the 80s and 90s and systolic pressures below 160. All Rights Reserved. Heres a recent BVA case decision where a veteran got service connected for Hypertension secondary to Sleep Apnea. 0000010777 00000 n If youre trying to increase your VA rating for High Blood Pressure, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant the higher rating criteria by law.
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