SC from VA Meds

[Chief276]

Can a kidney condition that "more than likely" was caused by VA prescribed meds make the condition SC? The meds are for a SC back problem.

[Vync]

Yes, it is possible. If side effects of medication taken for treatment of a SC condition cause a new disability can be SC, you can file for secondary SC. You'll need to check the regulations, but I believe the new disability has to be able to be rated at least 10% disabling to qualify. Been a while since I looked at it. If you have a doctor opining in your favor, that helps - especially if they are a specialist.

Here are a few examples:
1. NSAIDS can cause problems like GERD
2. Opiates can cause chronic constipation
3. Some psychotropics can cause ED
Etc...

[Chief276]

Got it. The "more than likely" statement is from my PCP. I have an appointment with the renal specialist soon, I'll get more info then. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Vync]

Good luck!

[Andyman73]

Can a kidney condition that "more than likely" was caused by VA prescribed meds make the condition SC? The meds are for a SC back problem.

Chief,

How long you been taking those meds? I'm curious, since I have been taking NSAIDs for 23 years now, and have had plenty of IBS/GERD type symptoms.

Andyman

[Vync]

Not sure if he was taking NSAIDs specifically.

The Army handed out motrin like candy from '90-'95 and the VA gave me naproxen, ibuprofen, and celebrex (most recently) over the last 20 years. I had numerous trips to the VAMC ER and even spent one night in the hospital because the GERD pain was so bad that it felt like a little green alien was about to sprout from my chest.

For anyone who might be curious, when you receive meds from the VA be sure to read over the documentation that comes with it - particularly the side effects section. Some meds might include a statement that the doc determined the benefits outweigh the side effects. Some folks might not even realize that condition A was a side effect caused by medication B.

[Andyman73]

I remember getting Vitamin "M" in 800 mg size pills!  My twin brother has developed some type of ulcer from his long term VA prescribed naproxen.  I'm currently taking tylenol because it doesn't raise bp like ibuprofen does.

So, if ibuprofen raises bp, and I've taken it too many years, prescribed by AD and VA docs, would that be the link for hypertension, secondary to meds?

Andyman