In the Jones v. Shinseki case, Jones suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Scientific evidence lending credence to this connection has been touted by veterans and veterans groups for years and now the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs has finally acknowledged Agent Oranges contribution to this chronic disability. 0 #4. How to Hire an Attorney For Your VA Claim or Appeal. This connection means that veterans who meet the criteria for being in a place where Agent Orange exposure was likely dont need to show any additional evidencecalled a medical nexusto establish a service connection to hypertension. I talk to Woods and Woods about my issues in 2018 they took my case as a result. Remember the VA disability compensation system provides veterans with tax-free monetary relief for theaverage impairment of earnings capacity. Your High Blood Pressure was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service, #3. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be Common Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure: VA Rating for High Blood Pressure: Basic Eligibility Criteria. NOTE: ALSO complete appropriate questionnaires for hypertension-related complications, if any (such as VA Form 21-0960J-1, Kidney Conditions (Nephrology) Disability Benefits Questionnaire , if renal insufficiency is attributable to hypertension.). The VA's ratings for hypertension are covered in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, 4.104, diagnostic code 7101. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe trauma disorder common among veterans. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and it has two numbers. Health issues associated with high blood pressure include: Sleep apnea can be a cause and a consequence of hypertension. If you experience high blood pressure that you think connects to your military service, either on its own or secondarily, you deserve VA disability compensation. Hypertension is no joke, and is often referred to as a silent killer because it is the most common risk factor among veterans with stroke. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2016 - VeteransLawBlog.org - All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Legal Disclaimer, The Veterans Law Blog is NOT a law firm. 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. hb```b``cd`c`bd@ AV(^ro4T' euCSWX c6#NA@O$O These two numbers will affect your final VA disability rating for hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) symptoms vary from veteran to veteran. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Does the veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, or symptoms related to the conditions listed in the diagnosis section above? How Does the VA Rate High Blood Pressure? There are a variety of secondary conditions to Hypertension, to include High Blood Pressure secondary to Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure secondary to Kidney Disease, High Blood Pressure secondary to Thyroid, and High Blood Pressure secondary to the side effects of certain medications (more on that below). According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertension is a common condition in veterans whereby the long-term force of the high blood pressure against your artery walls can cause a variety of health problems, such as heart disease or stroke. Its possible for your Hypertension to be caused or made worse by another service connected disability for secondary service connection, and vice versa. Typically, this means medical evidence of high blood pressure readings above normal over an extended period. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 If the VA examination (or evidence used in lieu of a VA examination) contains only a diagnosis of pre-hypertension based on readings that do not meet the definition of hypertension or isolated systolic . You're not alone. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. 2trill4925. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. 0000006309 00000 n Yes, a veteran can receive disability for high blood pressure, either as a primary disability or with a secondary connection to another medical issue thats service related. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 If you have high blood pressure related to your military service, you want to understand how the VA rates the condition, even if youre already on medication to control it. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Felicia W. - An Army veteran from South Carolina. Cruiser. Hypertension is blood pressure above 140/90. Will I lose VA benefits if medicine improves my condition? In the criteria, a 10% rating is set for symptoms that require continuous medication for control. The requirements for higher ratings do not mention medication. The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the tie goes to the runner.. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The application process for the V.A. hA 04q\GcwzC. Call Joye Law Firm now at 877-941-1019 or use our online form to schedule a free review of your VA disability claim. App. To be eligible for High Blood Pressure VA Rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have High Blood Pressure, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! While we still have our home base in Florida, Many medications, and treatments for health conditions, come with the risk of side effects. 0000000016 00000 n 0000012207 00000 n 0000018823 00000 n Please complete this form to send us your message. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was widely used as. As a result, his readings will be "normal" due to all the meds. In general, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating youll receive. we had a real interest in fulfilling the training or supply requirements of our units and our higher-ups had a requirement to providethose resources. 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. Establishing service connection on a secondary basis requires evidence sufficient to show (1) Medical diagnosis of Hypertension and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (2) that the Hypertension was either (a) proximately caused by or (b) proximately aggravated by a service-connected disability. Think of this as the ultimate guide to getting service connected for hypertension (high blood pressure) even if youve been denied previously. VA uses 38 CFR 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913 for diabetes mellitus type 2. According to CFR 38 Part 4 the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, veterans may receive a VA disability rating for hypertension between 10% and 60%, with breaks at 20% and 40%, depending upon the severity of symptoms: By law, service connection may be established on a secondary basis for a disability which is proximately due to or the result of service-connected disease or injury. Describe the history, including onset and course, of the veterans High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) condition? It measures the pressure when the heart fills with blood. disability claim takes an average of 95 days to decide the validity of the submitted request. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common and critical condition. 1481 42 For these Vietnam War-era veterans, qualifying for Agent Orange exposure may mean you: As long as there is sufficient evidence that you qualify for a hypertension diagnosis, they presume that it was Agent Orange that caused it. 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). You may be owed compensation. Lets say the VA gives the Vet a rating of 10%, claiming that the Veteransmedication limits her symptoms. According to medical research, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a recognized cause of hypertension (high blood pressure). 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. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. 10 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 100 to 109, or your systolic pressure is 160 to 199. No. 0000084988 00000 n VA Ratings range from 0% all the way up to 100 . The VA rates asthma between 10% and 100%, and every criteria level mentions medication use. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common among veterans due to combat exposure and service-related injuries. If youve been denied a VA hypertension diagnosis in the past on this basis, you can consider filing for a supplemental claim with the evidence outlined above. Heres a recent BVA case decision where a veteran got service connected for Hypertension secondary to Sleep Apnea. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Call today or fill out our online contact form to get started. At the end of 2021, 1.2 million veterans received VA benefits for PTSD. See 38 CFR 3.310(a). All Rights Reserved. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Already working with us? 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. There is a good chance that the VA may have under evaluated disabilities based on medication relief, but when the diagnostic code does not allow the VA to consider the relief afforded by medication. As a Nurse Practitioner and VA C&P Examiner, Ive served many veterans exposed to Agent Orange who are seeking disability compensation for hypertension. The VA rates veterans with hypothyroidism at either a 30% or 100% disability rating. How Do I Get VA Disability for High Blood Pressure? Thank you so much!! This post explains VA ratings for hypertension and related conditions like hypertensive vascular disease. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. Not only do your blood pressure readings have to meet the above definitions, but they must also be documented over a period of three different days and measured at least twice a day. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. VA Disability Law; New VA Appeals Process; A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules; . The veteran should be seated comfortably with back and feet supported. In order to be eligible for a VA rating for hypertension, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have hypertension, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA mental health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! #1. 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. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. When, after careful consideration of all evidence, a reasonable doubt arises regarding service origin, the degree of disability, or any other point, such doubt will be resolved in favor of the claimant. But the VAs disability process only recognizes a diagnosis of hypertension when you have: You can still get a formal VA hypertension diagnosis if youre already on medication for high blood pressure, so this really only affects people who are trying to control their high blood pressure without medication. Factors that cause high blood pressure include: The VA rates hypertension using diagnostic code 7101, listed as hypertensive vascular disease, in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. 1. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Please, if you have any of these symptoms, go see a doctor right away! I have high blood pressure that has been measured at 220/110 in a Dr's office. If yes, provide the blood pressure readings used to establish initial diagnosis. If a veteran suffers from hypertension, though, chances are that he is on 2 or 3 or 4 (or more) pills. We are Veterans helping Veterans!Become an Elite Member and work with our Veteran Coaches to get the rating you deserve! And that number is going to dictate whether VA determines or sees your blood . Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Your high blood pressure is severe if its more than 180/120. The maximum scheduler rating for High Blood Pressure is 60 percent, which means your diastolic pressure is predominantly 130 or higher. Diagnostic codes are specifically for disabilities that can be service connected, which means caused or aggravated by military . The VA rates angle-closure glaucoma under diagnostic code 6012 and open-angle glaucoma under diagnostic code 6013. Medication plays an essential role in controlling the symptoms of PTSD and other mental disorders. But, when it comes to hypertension, some veterans may already be on medication to help control the issue and level out their blood pressure. 0000008255 00000 n In this post, well reveal and explain how to download copies of your VA benefit letters online. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. 38 USCA 5107; 38 CFR 3.102; see also Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. 401-331-6300. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on August 31, 2022 by Mike Woods Last Updated on March 9, 2023. These medications can cause side effects, including: Insomnia. VA heart condition ratings are used to determine VA disability compensation for veterans with a service-connected heart condition. How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits April 26, 2023 Dear Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran, A veteran disabled in the service of our country Today,Brian Reesethe VA Claims Insider reveals and explains the 72 Best Federal Veteran Benefits from A to Z. Do I qualify for VA benefits if medication improves my condition? #2. trailer Allen v. Brown, 7 Vet. But you may be eligible for other VA benefits. The VA rates hypertensive vascular disease under diagnostic code 7101. 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. 20 percent disability rating: $327.99 per month. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. 1481 0 obj <> endobj Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. New Rule allows Presumptive Service Connection for Veterans particulate matter (burn pit) claims. This is not only untrue (they look throughout years of BP readings in your medical records, not just the day of), but it can be dangerous. 40 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 120 to 129. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 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. 0000007713 00000 n 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 . The CDC, another federal agency, accepts this definition. The condition often comes with sleep issues, headache, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and mental distress. A C&P exam for Hypertension involves a series of verbal questions, to include a physical examination with a stethoscope (listening to your heart and breathing), and diagnostic testing using a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. VA Disability Ratings for High Blood Pressure. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. 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. I had 6 verifiable stressors in my military records . But if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems. You may also have another serious health condition that requires medical attention. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood flowing through your arteries is too strong. 20 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 110 to 119, or your systolic pressure (the top number) is 200 or higher. You may also have another serious health condition that requires medical attention. Sometimes veterans think that not taking their morning medications might result in a higher blood pressure during the exam and, thus, a better VA rating. 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 . This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. The VA, after many years, acknowledged that veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related cancers or other illnesses.. These two numbers will affect your final VA disability rating for High Blood Pressure: High Blood Pressure or Hypertension symptoms vary from veteran to veteran. 0000002717 00000 n The Diagnostic Criteria in the VA Rating Schedule for Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not specifically list the effects of medication. 0000001162 00000 n Independent providers and C&P examiners must consider and give weight to the veterans self-reported symptoms when completing their DBQ for Hypertension. You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to aheart attackorstroke. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. 0000085228 00000 n 0000004565 00000 n Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. 0000005309 00000 n It appeared to him that he met the criteria for a 30% rating, but the VA denied his request for an increase from 10%. However, for veterans looking to add high blood pressure to their list of service-connected disability benefits, showing sufficient evidence of a hypertension diagnosis may not be as straightforward as it seems. j@ V#,:70e150D1+0{00017(:0,X:. 0}l ~`4% Did the VA Benefit of the Doubt Rule just disappear? A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and it has two numbers. The acid crystalizes and builds up in the persons joints. 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. 0000002293 00000 n That being said, if service connection is granted and your BP remains under control with meds your rating will be 0%. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 0000006607 00000 n Fill out the short form below to contact us. But, until then, the VA cannot deny higher ratings based on relief from medications if the code doesnt mention medication. %%EOF Contact Us Today. Veterans with PTSD are prone to hypertension because of PTSDs fear-related symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, and avoidance. Lets take a look at a Sample VA Disability Claim: Your email address will not be published. There is no specified time interval between readings, and they may be completed sequentially. 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. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. These focus more on specific BP parameters and, to a large degree, medication guidelines. 0000003992 00000 n Again, the VA presumptive list does NOT include high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. This makes good sense, because if your disability doesnt affect you, the VA wont compensate you for that condition. a disability for VA purposes. Anxiety. Between the years of 1962-1971, American troops dumped more than 19 million gallons of herbicide on vegetation in lands around Vietnam, Laos, and nearby areas, in order to remove forest, VA Disability Compensation: Veterans of the Vietnam Era and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma UPDATE: As of January 2020,Blue Water claimsare being processed.
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