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. 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 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. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Hypertension (Severity of Symptoms). Contact Us However, Ischemic Heart Disease is on the Agent Orange presumptive list (also called Coronary Heart Disease), and is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC)7005. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diseases of the Arteries and Veins, Diagnostic Code 7101. This extra fluid causes build up that can result in high blood pressure. You are not alone! The connection is because of stress hormones your body releases when you stop breathing. Please complete this form to send us your message. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 0000006151 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. As part of the 2022 PACT Act, which expands benefits for veterans exposed to toxins during service, hypertension was added as a presumptive condition for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The diastolic is the bottom number. Your doctor (even one from the VA) accepts this definition (and treats accordingly). The connection between the two can work the opposite way as well. 0000002212 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%. If you dont have your own blood pressure machine, you can get a reading taken at any local pharmacy. These focus more on specific BP parameters and, to a large degree, medication guidelines. This can lead to several life-threatening medical problems, such as heart failure, kidney failure, and dementia. xref Prepare for the VAs unusual definition of hypertension. 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 . Veterans with hypertension can be assigned ratings ranging from 0 percent to 60 percent. For a 10% rating, the schedule states a veteran must experience occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. The criteria for higher ratings for mental disorders do not mention medication. The same concept applies in the human body, where arteries sustain inflammation as a precursor to blockages and heart attacks, the heart grows too large and becomes ineffective, and the kidneys suffer slow, quiet damage, among many other negative effects. A DBQ allows you to address symptoms, severity, possible causes, and how the condition may be related to other disabilities. In 2019 and 2020 I received numerous award letters in my favor and two were backdated to 2011. Therefore, it's directly related to your military service. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. 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). #4. The severe form of IBS is rated at 30% and the moderate form of IBS is rated by the VA at 10%. It could be helpful to have a VA-certified disability benefits lawyer take a second look. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 49, 53 (1990). 0000004565 00000 n If yes, describe the frequency and severity of diastolic blood pressure elevation. When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran. 0000085926 00000 n The following explains conditions secondary to hypertension. 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. This acid build up also is the cause of hypertension. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 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. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 #3. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Woods and Woods has helped thousands of veterans across the country receive the VA benefits they deserve. The VA rates veterans with hypothyroidism at either a 30% or 100% disability rating. This post explains VA ratings for hypertension and related conditions like hypertensive vascular disease. 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. When have you seen the VA use improvement due to medication as an excuse to give a lower rating? The VA rates fibromyalgia under diagnostic code 5025. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and it has two numbers. 1,833 58. In this post, we will be taking a deep dive into the legal and medical requirements for how to get aVA Rating for Hypertension. Tricare treatment records also show elevated blood pressure, with diastolic pressures predominantly in the 80s and 90s and systolic pressures below 160. 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. As an example, say a Veteran has been able to service-connect Irritable Bowel Syndrome (DC 7319). The VA rates hypertensive vascular disease under diagnostic code 7101. 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. 20 percent disability rating: $327.99 per month. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for high blood pressure is to have medical evidence showing the worsening of your symptoms over time. 0000010049 00000 n 1. 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. 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. If a veteran suffers from hypertension, though, chances are that he is on 2 or 3 or 4 (or more) pills. Do I qualify for VA benefits if medication improves my condition? App. An attorney can also help you appeal a previous VA rating decision regarding hypertension or associated secondary disabilities, if necessary. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common and critical condition. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. You may be owed compensation. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Lets say the VA gives the Vet a rating of 10%, claiming that the Veteransmedication limits her symptoms. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. You may be owed compensation. Cruiser. 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. *H?x3^|H10F1M/ ; We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. The possible assigned ratings are as follows: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or a 100% disability rating for diabetes. Hypertension VA Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation Page . 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. New Rule allows Presumptive Service Connection for Veterans particulate matter (burn pit) claims. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. 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. 0000002293 00000 n Medication can be a factor if mentioned in the Schedule of Ratings, Hyperparathyroidism rating with medication, Side effects of medication and VA benefits, reevaluate disabilities every 2 to 5 years, some cases in which the VA is not likely to reevaluate veterans health conditions or reduce or remove their benefits, general rating formula for mental disorders, the general rating formula for diseases of the eye, you may be eligible for VA benefits for these conditions. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Veterans with hypertension may receive a VA disability rating of 60%, 40%, 20% or 10%. I am sick, and the VA was stalling. 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. 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. The VA rates asthma between 10% and 100%, and every criteria level mentions medication use. Two numbers measure blood pressure. These two numbers will affect your final VA disability rating for hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) symptoms vary from veteran to veteran. The general rating formula for heart disease also mentions medication in the lowest rating of 10%. It currently handles claims of exposure in these locations on a case-by-case basis: Various conditions are secondary to hypertension. 40 percent rating: when your diastolic pressure is 120 to 129. 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. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 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 CDC, another federal agency, accepts this definition. However, some veterans may be concerned that if the medication works well, they may no longer qualify for benefits or a certain disability rating. Health issues associated with high blood pressure include: Sleep apnea can be a cause and a consequence of hypertension. According to VA medical research, hypertension is one of the most common chronic condition in veterans, affecting more than 37% of the veteran population. Heres a recent BVA case decision where a veteran got service connected for Hypertension secondary to Sleep Apnea. The reason why this decision is so important is the scope of its impact. 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. In general, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating youll receive for high blood pressure. If an executive department wants to add language about medication to other diagnostic codes, it may. 10 percent disability rating: $165.92 per month. What the PACT Act Means for Veterans Suffering From Agent Orange Hypertension, Clinical Corner: A Disability Examiners Perspective on Agent Orange Hypertension. ), Gender (Males are more prone to hypertension. Already working with us? Your Hypertension was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service (Nexus for service connection) OR by another service-connected disability for secondary service connection, #3. 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. People with anxiety are at higher risk for hypertension. Does the veteran have a diagnosis of Hypertension or Isolated Systolic Hypertension based on the following criteria? Headaches. As former service men and women, were also battle-hardened veterans of bureaucratic warfare its just a function of life in the military. The problem is, a lot of Veterans believe them, because it sounds pretty reasonable. 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. 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 . List of VA Secondary Conditions to Hypertension. 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. VA rating for High Blood Pressure. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was widely used as. 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). 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. #5. How Does the VA Rate 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. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for hypertension. Your High Blood Pressure was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service, #3. In the Jones v. Shinseki case, Jones suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. See 38 CFR 3.310(a). Of course, HOWyou try to showthe elements of service-connection can often be the difference between a grant and a denial of a claim. 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. Generally, blood pressure is determined in two ways: The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Medical evidence must link the primary and secondary service-connected impairments, or the secondary impairment must link to another service-connected health concern. 401-331-6300. The levels range from daily use of high-dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications to intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. 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 communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. 1522 0 obj <>stream VA Disability Ratings for High Blood Pressure. The CDC estimates that 47% of Americans have this disease and that more than 670,000 deaths in the United States had hypertension as a primary or contributing cause.. 0000002717 00000 n 0000001837 00000 n Yes, you can get a VA rating for high blood pressure, more commonly known as hypertension in the medical community. The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the tie goes to the runner.. Call Joye Law Firm now at 877-941-1019 or use our online form to schedule a free review of your VA disability 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. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 0000008255 00000 n Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 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. Many medications, and treatments for health conditions, come with the risk of side effects. That being said, if service connection is granted and your BP remains under control with meds your rating will be 0%. They got me 100% permanent and total.. Sleep Apnea rarely goes away, and its hard toreverse diabetes once your kidneys start to fail. VA Ratings range from 0% all the way up to 100 . Nathan is a Nurse Practitioner, Disability Examiner, and Freelance Writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. not. Making the Sausage: Heres what you need to know about new VA Claims regulations. 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. 0000006607 00000 n 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. Veterans with PTSD are prone to hypertension because of PTSDs fear-related symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, and avoidance. Technically, you need more than half of your readings to meet the 10% criteria. I have high blood pressure that has been measured at 220/110 in a Dr's office. If most of your recent blood pressure readings have shown a diastolic reading of 100 or greater simply request a re-evaluation and provide VA with those medical records. 2. The VA Rater will select the disability percentage evaluation based on a preponderance of the symptoms.. These medications are necessary because they help keep hypertension from causing a more severe medical issue. These ratings also reference the general rating formula for diseases of the eye. There is a group of raters who believe that PTSD is cured when you get treatment, that you arent disabled if you are taking insulin for diabetes, or that sleep apnea is gone once you start using a CPAP. Gout is common in veterans. 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. 0000007556 00000 n We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common among veterans due to combat exposure and service-related injuries. The VA rates angle-closure glaucoma under diagnostic code 6012 and open-angle glaucoma under diagnostic code 6013. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 0000084988 00000 n 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. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Does the veteran have a history of a diastolic blood pressure elevation of predominantly 100 or more? 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).

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