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. 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. It is explained as "continuous medication required for control." Hypertension rating with medication. There are some cases in which the VA is not likely to reevaluate veterans health conditions or reduce or remove their benefits. <<8E4B8C960726A8499E107803A9E016BA>]/Prev 425860/XRefStm 1837>> 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 two . 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. Today,Brian Reesethe VA Claims Insider reveals and explains the 72 Best Federal Veteran Benefits from A to Z. In 2022, a veterans disability for hypertension can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% depending on the severity of your symptoms. 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. 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. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. 0000018558 00000 n Also, veterans over the age of 55 are rarely sent for reexaminations. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The VA factors medication into the general rating formula for mental disorders to provide a rating for PTSD. We are finding out by the day all of the negative effects this chemical had on veterans exposed during military service. can be a cause and a consequence of hypertension. The veteran should be seated comfortably with back and feet supported. 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. a disability for VA purposes. In the Jones v. Shinseki case, Jones suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 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. Over time, this could theoretically contribute to the onset of clinically-significant hypertension. Heres a list of common secondary conditions to Hypertension: What Should I Expect at a VA C&P Exam for Hypertension? Generally, the more severe your disability, the higher the VA rating youll receive. The readings must be 160/90 or higher for hypertension. VA disability for medication side effects is common for veterans who take antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for hypertension. How Does the VA Rate High Blood Pressure? Is High Blood Pressure a VA Presumptive Condition? Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 0000005309 00000 n The Diagnostic Criteria in the VA Rating Schedule for Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not specifically list the effects of medication. I have high blood pressure that has been measured at 220/110 in a Dr's office. <<, Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. 0000007421 00000 n San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Wondering how to service connect your Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)? You may also have another serious health condition that requires medical attention. 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? Medical diagnosis of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. HYPERTENSION DISABILITY BENEFITS QUESTIONNAIRE. 0000007742 00000 n Do I qualify for VA benefits if medication improves my condition? With prescribed medication, our hypothetical Veterans condition moderates from a severe form of the disease to a milder form. 0000012136 00000 n Pre-hypertension is generally defined as systolic pressure between 120mm and 139mm and diastolic pressure from 80mm to 89mm.. Pre-hypertension is . Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. Passed into law in August of 2022, the Honoring our PACT Act piece of VA legislation added hypertension to its list of diagnoses presumed to be caused by exposure to the tactical herbicide known as Agent Orange (AO), making eligibility for disability benefits much easier. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The fact that some diagnostic codes do include standards regarding the effects of medication, but others dont, is on purpose. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Nathan is a Nurse Practitioner, Disability Examiner, and Freelance Writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. 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. What conditions are secondary to hypertension? 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. 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. 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. VA Raters May Try toReduce Your RatingDue tothe Medicines You Take. If you need a lawyer, fill out a contact form at the law firm of Attig Steel: https://www.attigsteel.com/contact-us/. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A private physician can complete the form for you. 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. (2) The amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. These hormones cause your blood pressure to increase because your body senses something is wrong. Prepare for the VAs unusual definition of hypertension. 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. The ratings for hypertension are 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% depending on your high blood pressure severity. This means an in-service injury, disease, or event caused your High Blood Pressure. Now that its on the list of presumptive conditions after decades of effort, this will positively affect the many veterans and service members exposed during service who are now suffering hypertensions ill effects. The tests for hypertension require readings to be taken two or more times on at least three different days. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Hypertension (Severity of Symptoms). When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran. The tests for hypertension require readings to be taken two or more times on at least three different days. Thus, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a list of presumptive conditions to support veterans suffering from those effects. What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for High Blood Pressure? The Reasonable Doubt Rule, also known as the Benefit of the Doubt Doctrine, means that the evidence provided by the claimant/beneficiary (or obtained on his/her behalf) must only persuade the decision maker that each factual matter is at least as likely as not.. Diagnostic codes are specifically for disabilities that can be service connected, which means caused or aggravated by military . In addition, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently released new guidelines that describe Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a relatively fixed cardiovascular disease risk factor in patients with hypertension. VA uses 38 CFR 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913 for diabetes mellitus type 2. Anxiety. 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. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is conceptually simple: its the phenomenon of too much pressure being exerted against the walls of your arteries and veins. Generally, blood pressure is determined in two ways: The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. 0000007713 00000 n 0000018823 00000 n 40 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 120 to 129. 0000018593 00000 n Alright, lets jump into this Insiders Guide for getting service connected disability for High Blood Pressure. Required fields are marked *. In this post, well reveal and explain how to download copies of your VA benefit letters online. This post explains VA ratings for hypertension and related conditions like hypertensive vascular disease. You may be owed compensation. For the VA to consider disability benefits for hypertension, you must file a claim. Yes, you can get a VA rating for high blood pressure, more commonly known as hypertension in the medical community. 3 Most Common Claims Left on the Side: Secondary Service Connection for Side Effects of Medications Posted by Berry Law on March 14, 2016 in Veterans Disability Many veterans are taking medications to treat their service connected PTSD or manage the pain for their back, ankle, and knee conditions.VA doctors will prescribe medications and discuss with veterans their side effects but most . The ratings for hypertension are 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% depending on your high blood pressure severity. The CDC, another federal agency, accepts this definition. It measures the pressure as blood leaves the heart. 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. Nathan Costiuc, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Updated: November 4, 2022. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In the appeal decision, the CAVC explained that within the Schedule of Ratings, the criteria for rating some disabilities includes a mention of medication. If youre already on medication for hypertension, youll likely need to include those medical records (including blood pressure readings) in your claim. we represent clients nationwide. 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. Through the years, scientific evidence of Agent Oranges ill effects mounted. ), Ethnicity (African American and Hispanic people are more likely to develop it. Does the veterans Hypertension or Isolated Systolic Hypertension impact his/her ability to work? Fill out the short form below to contact us. Please complete this form to send us your message. ), Gender (Males are more prone to hypertension. The average adult blood pressure is 120/80. 0000004237 00000 n Your doctor (even one from the VA) accepts this definition (and treats accordingly). The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. Did the VA Benefit of the Doubt Rule just disappear? It means you can't get disability compensation (payments) for this condition. What are the current dates of this evaluation and corresponding blood pressure readings? 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. I take 130mg daily, BP is controlled and my rating is 0%. VA Disability Law; New VA Appeals Process; A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules; . The VA rates High Blood Pressure underCFR Title 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diseases of the Arteries and Veins, Diagnostic Code 7101 Hypertension at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. or greater, and isolated systolic hypertension means that the systolic blood pressure is predominantly 160mm. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. Veterans with hypertension may receive a VA disability rating of 60%, 40%, 20% or 10%. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of hypertension. But you may be eligible for other VA benefits. The VA will likely request a Compensation and Pension exam. As a Certified C&P Examiner, he works to help veterans better understand the VA Disability system, especially from a clinical perspective. 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! 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. To service connect Hypertension secondary to Sleep Apnea, youll need to get a Medical Nexus Letter to support the connection between Hypertension and Sleep Apnea. If you dont have your own blood pressure machine, you can get a reading taken at any local pharmacy. xref 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. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. As former service men and women, were also battle-hardened veterans of bureaucratic warfare its just a function of life in the military. For example, if you have 4 symptoms of the 10% rating level, 5 symptoms of the 30% level, and 2 symptoms of the 50% level, the preponderance of your symptoms is at the 30% rating criteria. But, until then, the VA cannot deny higher ratings based on relief from medications if the code doesnt mention medication. The connection is because of stress hormones your body releases when you stop breathing. When the VA determines your disability rating, they look at your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Therefore, the VA is not allowed to consider the relief it provides when determining the degree of disability. 0000002249 00000 n Your email address will not be published. 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. Your high blood pressure is severe if its more than 180/120. 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. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. VA disability claims for diabetes mellitus can vary from extremely severe to much more minor cases depending on the advancement of the medical condition. If an executive department wants to add language about medication to other diagnostic codes, it may. Disabilities labeled as static, stable, or permanent are usually not scheduled for reexamination, nor are disabilities rated at the minimum. In general, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating youll receive for high blood pressure. 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. 2E. Again, the VA presumptive list does NOT include high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. 0000001162 00000 n Gout is common in veterans. 3H$LQP7zArO`H] j/:`l#u (4c[PIKAh4 B!L[t`Y\`4$P3aan'(lB %k pf` There are many reasons why veterans would want to obtain a current VA disability letter with Common Symptoms of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in Veterans, Symptoms of Severe Hypertension in Veterans, Other Possible Symptoms of Hypertension in Veterans, VA Rating for Hypertension: Basic Eligibility Criteria, High Blood Pressure VA Rating Criteria (2022). If youve been denied when attempting to add hypertension as a service-connected condition for VA benefits in the past, now is a great time to consider re-filing with the changes introduced by the 2022 PACT Act legislation. It lists Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a CAUSE of secondary hypertension, with resistant hypertension being one of the clinical indications. When considering a rating, the VA typically looks at the condition and its symptoms at the time of application for disability benefits. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 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? Sleep apnea increases your risk of hypertension, with about half of people with apnea having high blood pressure. Sleep Apnea rarely goes away, and its hard toreverse diabetes once your kidneys start to fail. 401-331-6300. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! They did good by me. Note (2):Evaluate hypertension due to aortic insufficiency or hyperthyroidism, which is usually the isolated systolic type, as part of the condition causing it rather than by a separate evaluation. Most often, I see this mentality when a Veteran has a claim for serviceconnection of a disability or injury from military service, but is getting treatment for that condition. You also can use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire to help your claim. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood flowing through your arteries is too strong. 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. 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.). Think of this as the ultimate guide to getting service connected for hypertension (high blood pressure) even if youve been denied previously. #4. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 The reason why this decision is so important is the scope of its impact. Felicia W. - An Army veteran from South Carolina. 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. It measures the pressure when the heart fills with blood. A 60% hypertension rating could qualify a veteran for total disability individual unemployability benefits. 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 Thats a valid concern that made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! The following explains conditions secondary to hypertension. VA Ratings range from 0% all the way up to 100 . Can the VA consider whether your medications are providing some relief when determining your degree of disability?
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