Hello,I am filing for presumptive SC for hypertension; working with VSO and my readings and diagnosis fit within the criteria for disabling (at least 10%) within 1 year of discharge from active duty, but the medical opinion from my c&p states there is no "direct service connection". Has anyone experienced this before? Will the VSR ask for another medical opinion based on presumptive SC or is this how the medical opinions are always worded regardless?
Here is verbiage directly from the physician's medical opinion strictly for hypertension:
SC:MEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY-----------------------RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION:
a. Opinion from general remarks: Veteran claims hypertension due to illness or event on active duty b. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: hypertensionTYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ MEDICAL OPINION FOR DIRECT SERVICECONNECTION ]
b. The condition claimed was less likely than not (less than 50%probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness.
c. Rationale: Review of the STR shows no evidence of the diagnosis ortreatment for hypertension while on a period of active duty. The veteranwasdiagnosed in December 2004 with CHF due to valvular heart disease along with hypertension.
MEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY-----------------------RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION:a. Opinion from general remarks: Veteran claims hypertension due to illness or event on active dutyb. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: hypertension TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ MEDICAL OPINION FOR DIRECT SERVICE CONNECTION ]b. The condition claimed was less likely than not (less than 50% probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness.c. Rationale: Review of the STR shows no evidence of the diagnosis or treatment for hypertension while on a period of active duty. The veteran was diagnosed in December 2004 with CHF due to valvular heart disease along withhypertension.*******************************************************************