Wartorn

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

Got the Big Brown Envelope yesterday, it was quite interesting. The VBA rated 9 of my contentions and deferred 7. The interesting part is that the 7 they deferred were the most serious contentions that were also the most documented. Things like multiple knee surgeries and a spinal fusion. You would think that those would have been an easy thing to decide on. But that’s why they do what they do and I do what I do. Either way they rated me at 100% combined so I couldn’t be happier, unless they later decide to make me Permanent and Total. Thanks for all the helpful tips and the encouragement over the last year. Without the support of other like VETS and spouses this journey would be very difficult.

Thanks for the advice folks. I am in the middle of my C&P exam process. I had the first of two exams, 12 days ago, that’s when my BP readings alarmed the medical folks and I had to complete the 4 day, multi arm checks. All four days readings came back in the hypertension ranges, I realize that it is not a conclusive medical diagnoses but the evidence does appear to lean that way. Looking through my med records I do have significant evidence showing a long history of HB readings throughout my time in service, just no diagnoses from a medical professional, they just threw Lipitor at me. I have more C&P exams in the next few days for other contentions so according to what I am reading this may still have a chance of making it into my claim. I have sought out a private Doctor to address this issue because I have become kind of attached to my heart and wouldn’t mind if it continues to do its job. I appreciate all of the input.

During a recent C&P exam for my initial claim I was found to have Hypertension. This was news to me and I am glad that I am aware of it but it wasn’t one of my original contentions. Is this something that the VA will add into my claim this time around or will I have to wait until the dust settles on my initial claim and then file a new claim with this new ailment? I am still under a year out from retiring. I do have a claim in for Anxiety, would the fact that I now have Hypertension strengthen that claim or maybe be secondary to it? I appreciate any guidance on this, Thank you.