More than half of individuals with hypertension experience it, which causes sleep deprivation. Felicia W. - An Army veteran from South Carolina. 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. 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. If you receive a 0% disability rating for a service-connected condition, we call this a non-compensable disability. It means you can't get disability compensation (payments) for this condition. Cruiser. The VA rates fibromyalgia under diagnostic code 5025. 0000008503 00000 n Posted by Berry Law on April 24, 2020 in Medical. For VA rating purposes, the term hypertension or High Blood Pressure, means that the diastolic blood pressure is predominantly 90mm or greater, and isolated systolic hypertension means that the systolic blood pressure is predominantly 160mm or greater with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm. Getting Veterans (VA) Disability for Hypertension | CCK Law This post explains VA ratings for hypertension and related conditions like hypertensive vascular disease. 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. When considering a rating, the VA typically looks at the condition and its symptoms at the time of application for disability benefits. Describe the history, including onset and course, of the veterans High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) condition? For purposes of this section, the term hypertension means that the diastolic blood pressure is predominantly 90mm. The VA rates hypertensive vascular disease under diagnostic code 7101. VA Ratings range from 0% all the way up to 100 . we represent clients nationwide. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices How Does the VA Rate High Blood Pressure? You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to aheart attackorstroke. VA Disability Ratings for High Blood Pressure. 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 tests for hypertension require readings to be taken two or more times on at least three different days. 0000003110 00000 n The VA rates asthma between 10% and 100%, and every criteria level mentions medication use. It could be helpful to have a VA-certified disability benefits lawyer take a second look. For the VA to consider disability benefits for hypertension, you must file a claim. 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. 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? 0000010049 00000 n 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. The fact that some diagnostic codes do include standards regarding the effects of medication, but others dont, is on purpose. New Hypertension Treatment Guidelines Veterans Need To Know 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. 0000003052 00000 n HYPERTENSION DISABILITY BENEFITS QUESTIONNAIRE. 3H$LQP7zArO`H] j/:`l#u (4c[PIKAh4 B!L[t`Y\`4$P3aan'(lB %k pf` What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for High Blood Pressure? 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. 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. 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. In that case, its essential to understand the VA ratings, so you can receive fair compensation. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Medication plays an essential role in controlling the symptoms of PTSD and other mental disorders. When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. ), Gender (Males are more prone to hypertension. #1. Anxiety. Through the years, scientific evidence of Agent Oranges ill effects mounted. That being said, if service connection is granted and your BP remains under control with meds your rating will be 0%. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. As a Certified C&P Examiner, he works to help veterans better understand the VA Disability system, especially from a clinical perspective. Does the veteran have a diagnosis of Hypertension or Isolated Systolic Hypertension based on the following criteria? Asthma, which often requires medication, is rated under diagnostic code 6602. 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. #1. 49, 53 (1990). 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. The following are a list of common questions asked at a C&P exam for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), based on theDBQ for Hypertension. Already working with us? So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for hypertension. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for High Blood Pressure: #1: Direct Service Connection for High Blood Pressure with a VA rating of 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%. 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. If an executive department wants to add language about medication to other diagnostic codes, it may. The VA has a responsibility to Help you Get the Highest SupportableRating inYour VA Disability Claim. The acid crystalizes and builds up in the persons joints. In my original claim filed last Dec I was awarded a 30% disability for an unknown anxiety disorder, however my high blood pressure claim was denied for not being service connected. This can lead to several life-threatening medical problems, such as heart failure, kidney failure, and dementia. yet assertive representation for our clients. People with hypertension may worry about their physical health, causing anxiety. These focus more on specific BP parameters and, to a large degree, medication guidelines. *H?x3^|H10F1M/ ; Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! What the PACT Act Means for Veterans Suffering From Agent Orange Hypertension, Clinical Corner: A Disability Examiners Perspective on Agent Orange Hypertension. 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. 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. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. This acid build up also is the cause of hypertension. The possible assigned ratings are as follows: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or a 100% disability rating for diabetes. 1,833 58. 0000085761 00000 n Suppose you have high blood pressure related to your military service or in connection with another service-related condition. 0000002212 00000 n 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. Therefore, it's directly related to your military service. Prepare for the VAs unusual definition of hypertension. Tricare treatment records also show elevated blood pressure, with diastolic pressures predominantly in the 80s and 90s and systolic pressures below 160. Wondering how to service connect your Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)? 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. 38 USCA 5107; 38 CFR 3.102; see also Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. 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). 1522 0 obj <>stream How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. 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. 0000006607 00000 n For many of these conditions, the need for medication helps to demonstrate the severity of the disability. You also can use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire to help your claim. 0000009189 00000 n CURRENT BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS (SUFFICIENT IF VETERAN HAS A PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED DIAGNOSIS OF . The VA does have the option to reevaluate disabilities every 2 to 5 years and assign updated ratings. 0000002882 00000 n In 2022, a veterans disability for hypertension can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% depending on the severity of your symptoms. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. In 2012, the CAVC ruled in the case of Jones v. Shinseki that the VA must rate a veterans disability without including the effects of medication unless the Schedule of Ratings explicitly mentioned medicine in the diagnostic code for the condition. If your blood pressure is high, there are symptoms you need to watch out for, including: Are you STUCK, FRUSTRATED and UNDERRATED? 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. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common among veterans due to combat exposure and service-related injuries. 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. The Diagnostic Criteria in the VA Rating Schedule for Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not specifically list the effects of medication. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately! According to medical research, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a recognized cause of hypertension (high blood pressure). As an example, say a Veteran has been able to service-connect Irritable Bowel Syndrome (DC 7319). You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to aheart attackorstroke. 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. VA Disability for Hypothyroidism: Your Guide to Filing a Winning VA Claim VA Disability Rating for Hypertension - Hill & Ponton, P.A. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Hypertension Claim Question - Veterans Benefits Network 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. Find out what benefits you qualify for with a 0% disability rating and if you can file for an increased disability rating. 0000001162 00000 n What conditions are secondary to hypertension? 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. or greater with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm. The VA will likely request a Compensation and Pension exam. 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. 0000007742 00000 n Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). A 60% hypertension rating could qualify a veteran for total disability individual unemployability benefits. You are not alone! 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. There are some cases in which the VA is not likely to reevaluate veterans health conditions or reduce or remove their benefits. But, when it comes to hypertension, some veterans may already be on medication to help control the issue and level out their blood pressure. If you need an advocate to review your previous ratings to determine if it was under evaluated, call us at 251-343-1111 or 1-800-332-1529. What is the High Blood Pressure VA Rating Scale? It is explained as "continuous medication required for control." Hypertension rating with medication. Can I get VA Disability for my Hypertension? - Veterans Benefits Unless the effects of medications are specifically included in the impairment rating criteria for your condition, the VA is NOT allowed to consider whether a particular medication moderates a Veteran's condition in determining the degree of disability. 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. 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? 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. 20 percent disability rating: $327.99 per month. Keep in mind the VA checks were after being on medication for high blood pressure for over 4 years. No, High Blood Pressure is not currently on the VA presumptive list. 0000006280 00000 n The readings must be 160/90 or higher for hypertension. If youre already on medication for hypertension, youll likely need to include those medical records (including blood pressure readings) in your claim. See 38 CFR 3.310(a). It measures the pressure when the heart fills with blood. A veteran can receive a secondary service-connected disability rating for any health condition that is related to a condition thats service connected. Kidney disease also is common among veterans. 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. 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. Medical evidence must link the primary and secondary service-connected impairments, or the secondary impairment must link to another service-connected health concern. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe trauma disorder common among veterans. Thats a valid concern that made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Your doctor (even one from the VA) accepts this definition (and treats accordingly). 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. I am sick, and the VA was stalling. Independent providers and C&P examiners must consider and give weight to the veterans self-reported symptoms when completing their DBQ for Hypertension. 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. The tests for hypertension require readings to be taken two or more times on at least three different days. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and it has two numbers. 10 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 100 to 109, or your systolic pressure is 160 to 199. VA Disability For Hypertension // Appeals, Claims, Denials - Vet Diagnostic codes are specifically for disabilities that can be service connected, which means caused or aggravated by military . VA rating for High Blood Pressure. If yes, describe the frequency and severity of diastolic blood pressure elevation. 0000008479 00000 n The VA uses diagnostic codes to classify the type and severity of a disability. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. VA Raters May Try toReduce Your RatingDue tothe Medicines You Take. not. These medications are necessary because they help keep hypertension from causing a more severe medical issue. According to VA medical research, hypertension is one of the most common chronic condition in veterans, affecting more than 37% of the veteran population.
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