Afib

[John Hunter]

Vietnam vet, exposed to agent orange.  Have ischemic heart disease, stint, chf, high bp.  Last fall also dx with Afib and now on Elaquis for that.  Receive 40 percent for service connected disability's, is Afib something that should also be rated?  Will Va automatically take care of this?

Thanks

[Buck52]

 John,''Afib''if its the same as a atrial fibrillation yes

but you should look up conditions of the heart to be sure, I'm sure it can be rated....you would need to file a claim for it  don't rely on someone to file.

others can chime in.

[Berta]

I assume you have a IHD rating ----what is  your IHD rating? And how long ago was that rating decided?

Do you get SC for the HBP?

These are the ratings for IHD:

"The regulations establish a general rating formula for arteriosclerotic heart disease, including IHD and coronary artery disease (CAD). 38 C.F.R. § 4.104. Under the General Rating Formula, a 30 percent rating is warranted for arteriosclerotic heart disease resulting in a workload of greater than 5 METs, but not greater than 7 METs, that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray.

In addition, a 60 percent rating is warranted for arteriosclerotic heart disease resulting in more than one episode of acute CHF in the past year, or; a workload of greater than 3 METs, but not greater than 5 METs, that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.

Finally, a 100 percent rating is warranted for arteriosclerotic heart disease resulting in CHF, or; a workload of 3 METs or less that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent. 38 C.F.R. § 4.104, Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7005 (2017)."https://www.va.gov/vetapp17/files9/1759356.txt

Some AO veterans under Nehmer were rated differently, under Footnote one because their IHD manifested itself MANY years prior to the Nehmer Decision of 2010 and VA used the older IHD criteria and  regulations. 

Edited March 12, 2018 by Berta

[broncovet]

Of course, I agree with Berta.  I will add, however, even tho there are different types of issues all dealing with the heart, you will only be compensated for the worst of the lot because "pyramaiding" is prohibited.  

As an example, you could possibly have heart blockage, afib, vfib, and/or some type of electrical problems with your heart.  You wont get paid for all of these, only the worst one.  

[Vync]

Here's the rating criteria for cardiovascular ratings: §4.104   Schedule of ratings—cardiovascular system.

Here are the specific rating criteria for afib/vfib:

Quote

010   Supraventricular arrhythmias:
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular tachycardia, with more than four episodes per year documented by ECG or Holter monitor	30
Permanent atrial fibrillation (lone atrial fibrillation), or; one to four episodes per year of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular tachycardia documented by ECG or Holter monitor	10
7011   Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained):
For indefinite period from date of hospital admission for initial evaluation and medical therapy for a sustained ventricular arrhythmia, or; for indefinite period from date of hospital admission for ventricular aneurysmectomy, or; with an automatic implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (AICD) in place	100
Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent	100
More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or; workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent	60
Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray	30
Workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; continuous medication required	10

I hope this helps!