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? 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. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. VA Raters May Try toReduce Your RatingDue tothe Medicines You Take. 0000006280 00000 n #5. The following explains conditions secondary to hypertension. You may be owed compensation. 2. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 It lists Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a CAUSE of secondary hypertension, with resistant hypertension being one of the clinical indications. 40 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 120 to 129. You're not alone. 0000009189 00000 n They did good by me. not. 2trill4925. A 60% hypertension rating could qualify a veteran for total disability individual unemployability benefits. 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. 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. Note (3):Evaluate hypertension separately from hypertensive heart disease and other types of heart disease. VA decision on hypertension and Agent Orange. According to VA medical research, hypertension is one of the most common chronic condition in veterans, affecting more than 37% of the veteran population. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. Thats because anxiety, or extreme stress and worry outside a persons control, increases a persons heart rate and can increase blood pressure. According to medical research, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a recognized cause of hypertension (high blood pressure). 10 percent disability rating: $165.92 per month. The connection between the two can work the opposite way as well. 50% of all patients with sleep apnea may have underlying hypertension, 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. #7. How Do I Get VA Disability for High Blood Pressure? Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 38 USCA 5107; 38 CFR 3.102; see also Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. 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. 439, 448 (1995). 20 percent disability rating: $327.99 per month. 0000010777 00000 n If you receive a 0% disability rating for a service-connected condition, we call this a non-compensable disability. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! All Rights Reserved. Does the veterans treatment plan include taking continuous medication for Hypertension or Isolated Systolic Hypertension? 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! So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for hypertension. If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certainsymptoms to look out for, including: Yes, hypertension is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% depending upon the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Do I qualify for VA benefits if medication improves my condition? Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. 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. 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! Gout is common in veterans. Medication can play a critical role in helping veterans alleviate the symptoms of their service-connected disabilities. The schedule states a veteran with a formal diagnosis and symptoms that are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication will receive a 0% rating. If the VA denies your benefits, you may want to file an appeal. 25. This means theres a 50/50 chance. Lets take a look at a Sample VA Disability Claim: Your email address will not be published. Highlights include the following[4]: Accurate BP measurement is critical. 0000003110 00000 n 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. 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. 0000011577 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. You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to aheart attackorstroke. When considering a rating, the VA typically looks at the condition and its symptoms at the time of application for disability benefits. Lets say the VA gives the Vet a rating of 10%, claiming that the Veteransmedication limits her symptoms. Therefore, the VA is not allowed to consider the relief it provides when determining the degree of disability. CURRENT BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS (SUFFICIENT IF VETERAN HAS A PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED DIAGNOSIS OF . The condition often comes with sleep issues, headache, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and mental distress. Already working with us? 0000018752 00000 n This post explains VA ratings for hypertension and related conditions like hypertensive vascular disease. 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. 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! %%EOF I take 130mg daily, BP is controlled and my rating is 0%. Regulation Update: VA Ratings for Kidney Disease and Renal Dysfunction. Medical diagnosis of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. The Diagnostic Criteria in the VA Rating Schedule for Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not specifically list the effects of medication. The American Heart Association (AHA) has said that as many as 50% of all patients with sleep apnea may have underlying hypertension, and many patients with hypertension, particularly resistant hypertension, may also have OSA. 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! Of course, HOWyou try to showthe elements of service-connection can often be the difference between a grant and a denial of a claim. The veterans rating is based on blood pressure readings at that time, as it is presumed that the medication, if effective, is lowering the veterans blood pressure readings. VA disability for medication side effects is common for veterans who take antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. VA disability for High Blood Pressure has ratings of 10 percent, 20 percent, 40 percent, or 60 percent depending on the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Unfortunately, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common diagnosis among veterans. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. With prescribed medication, our hypothetical Veterans condition moderates from a severe form of the disease to a milder form. If youre trying to increase your VA rating for hypertension, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant a higher rating by law. Veterans with hypertension can be assigned ratings ranging from 0 percent to 60 percent. 2. of . HYPERTENSION DISABILITY BENEFITS QUESTIONNAIRE. A DBQ allows you to address symptoms, severity, possible causes, and how the condition may be related to other disabilities. Was the veterans initial diagnosis of Hypertension or Isolated Systolic Hypertension confirmed by blood pressure readings taken 2 or more times on at least 3 different days? hb```b``cd`c`bd@ AV(^ro4T' euCSWX c6#NA@O$O 0000002249 00000 n Did the VA Benefit of the Doubt Rule just disappear? Have been involved in Agent Orange disposal. Its prevalence is particularly felt in the veteran community, where rates of high blood pressure for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during military service are found to be higher than in the general population. When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Hypertension (Severity of Symptoms). Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. The issue was settled by a 2012 decision of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and in general, the answer is no. 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. #6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe trauma disorder common among veterans. PTSD is not cured. The ratings for hypertension are 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% depending on your high blood pressure severity. 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. disability claim takes an average of 95 days to decide the validity of the submitted request. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. These focus more on specific BP parameters and, to a large degree, medication guidelines. Please complete this form to send us your message. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. Allen v. Brown, 7 Vet. Does the veteran have a history of a diastolic blood pressure elevation of predominantly 100 or more? Sleep deprivation increases the risk of hypertension. Woods and Woods has helped thousands of veterans across the country receive the VA benefits they deserve. Disabilities labeled as static, stable, or permanent are usually not scheduled for reexamination, nor are disabilities rated at the minimum. 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 If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. VA Disability Ratings for High Blood Pressure. However, some veterans may be concerned that if the medication works well, they may no longer qualify for benefits or a certain disability rating. 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. Heres a recent BVA case decision where a veteran got service connected for Hypertension secondary to Sleep Apnea. 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. Required fields are marked *. If you need a lawyer, fill out a contact form at the law firm of Attig Steel: https://www.attigsteel.com/contact-us/. The following is an incomplete list of examples of when the VA can consider the effects of medication when assigning a disability rating. 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. 0000002212 00000 n 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. VA uses 38 CFR 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913 for diabetes mellitus type 2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is rated underCFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diseases of the Arteries and Veins, Diagnostic Code 7101. Asthma, which often requires medication, is rated under diagnostic code 6602. 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.. 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. On one hand, it has a legitimate function of verifying that your VA Disability Claim meets the requirements set forth by law before granting a service-connected disability rating. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. By law, when determining the percentage for your rating the VA can only consider the criteria contained in the Diagnostic Code for the given disability to do otherwise is error. Its possible for your Hypertension to be caused or made worse by another service connected disability for secondary service connection, and vice versa. As a Nurse Practitioner and VA C&P Examiner, Ive served many veterans exposed to Agent Orange who are seeking disability compensation for hypertension. It measures the pressure as blood leaves the heart. total disability individual unemployability benefits, presumptive condition for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange, presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange, VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure, secondary service-connected disability rating, VA Disability Ratings for Kidney Diseases and Secondary Conditions, Circulatory System VA Disability Articles, Im sure I would not have received these awards if it wasnt for Woods and Woods, 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, Disease of the arteries in the heart, arms, or legs, Age (Many people develop high blood pressure as they age. You only pay us if we win. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 People with hypertension may worry about their physical health, causing anxiety. 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. 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. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. 0000002717 00000 n Hypertension is a leading cause of stroke. You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to aheart attackorstroke. But if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems. ), Ethnicity (African American and Hispanic people are more likely to develop it. You can find him at clinicious.com or on his LinkedIn profile, A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, currently recognized presumptive conditions, Agent Orange Exposure and Lymphoma | VA Disability, Presumptive Hypertension Is a Landmark Decision From the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. 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. Alright, lets jump into this Insiders Guide for getting service connected disability for High Blood Pressure. Fill out the short form below to contact us. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. The readings must be 160/90 or higher for hypertension. These two numbers will affect your final VA disability rating for hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) symptoms vary from veteran to veteran. Describe the history, including onset and course, of the veterans High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) condition? Persistent and recurring symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Severity of Symptoms) to include how the disability negatively impacts your work, life, and social functioning, Hypertension secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Hypertension secondary to Hyperthyroidism. VA disability claims for diabetes mellitus can vary from extremely severe to much more minor cases depending on the advancement of the medical condition. As a result, his readings will be "normal" due to all the meds. 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. For many of these conditions, the need for medication helps to demonstrate the severity of the disability. If you are dealing with side effects from medication or treatment for a service-connected health condition or are experiencing side effects from the medication you took during military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits for these conditions. 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. The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the tie goes to the runner.. The fact that some diagnostic codes do include standards regarding the effects of medication, but others dont, is on purpose. A veteran will continue to qualify for VA benefits regardless of any alleviating affects of medication on their condition as long as the diagnostic code for the condition does not specifically mention medication and the veteran otherwise meets the criteria to receive benefits for the disability. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for High Blood Pressure? It's that simple. These medications are necessary because they help keep hypertension from causing a more severe medical issue. 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. Thats a valid concern that made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). 0000007742 00000 n The levels range from daily use of high-dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications to intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. In that case, its essential to understand the VA ratings, so you can receive fair compensation. When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence (50/50) regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the Secretary shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant. Many different medications for PTSD can cause disruptive side effects. 2E. The VA, after many years, acknowledged that veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related cancers or other illnesses.. In the appeal decision, the CAVC explained that within the Schedule of Ratings, the criteria for rating some disabilities includes a mention of medication. Back in the Day.back when we were in the military . Veterans with PTSD are prone to hypertension because of PTSDs fear-related symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, and avoidance. Veterans who have symptoms despite surgery or arent candidates for surgery but require continuous medication to manage their condition are rated at 10%. In 2019 and 2020 I received numerous award letters in my favor and two were backdated to 2011. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood flowing through your arteries is too strong. Anxiety. 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. 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. The VA's ratings for hypertension are covered in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, 4.104, diagnostic code 7101. Examiners are looking for sufficient medical evidence to substantiate your hypertension. The VA factors medication into the general rating formula for mental disorders to provide a rating for PTSD. 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. 0000002882 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 . a disability for VA purposes. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. As a Certified C&P Examiner, he works to help veterans better understand the VA Disability system, especially from a clinical perspective. How Does the VA Rate High Blood Pressure?

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