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bm6546
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Posts posted by bm6546
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After almost 3 years and 2 denials from the VA, I thought I had the answer from my private cardiologist. I had an appt with him approx 1 month ago and after listening to me and reading all my notes he indicated that he wanted to help me with a letter to the VA that would help me with my claim. Well he sent a letter to my VSO lady and basically said that I have 2 different heart conditions and that they are not related and that is why the VA has denied my claims. I was stunned and my VSO lady was also upset and couldn't believe it. I don't know which way to go now.
A little history on my claims- I was discharged from the Navy back in 1966 with a heart condition known as PAT (Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia). The US Navy determined it was bad enough that they discharged me after 2 years. They said it was SC and gave me 10% for a little over 1 year and then took it away for no apparent reason. I have been in and out of hospitals the last 35 years and I had a heart attack almost 3 years ago that has disabled me to the point that I am not able to work any more. I started collecting SSDI and that is what I live on, barely. I also suffer from anxiety, depression and a mild case of PTSD, all related to my heart attack. I have seen VA shrinks, physcologists, counselors and cardiologists and not one of them wants to get involved and help me. I have had 2 C&P exams and have failed both of them, meaning that my claims were denied based on what the NP from the C&P exams wrote.
I know that I need a nexus letter from a private cardiologist to help me with my claims, but I can't afford to pay for one, as I am on SSDI and my wife got laid off 6 months ago.
I just don't know which way to go now and my VSO lady has indicated that she is also not sure what she can do for me anymore.
I would appreciate ANY help from the Hadit members as my back is against the wall.
Thank you in advance, Brian
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I posted here many times the Criteria for getting an IMO-it should be found under search "Getting an IMO"
Dr. Bash knows VA talk and the regs and this is why his IMOs can be so probative to the VA.
The VA will reject any IMO that does not conform to the criteria I posted.
The VA doesnt post this info-they dont want us to have it but I developed it from the two IMOs I have from Dr. Bash where he used all the key elements any IMO should have.I am very happy with his IMos.He carefully considered all of the medical evidence- if the VA itself had done that years ago my husband would not be in a grave at the National VA cemetery now.
Mariano V principi prevents VA from doctor shopping. Mariano clearly implies that with probative medical evidence to award a claim the VA has no right to seek further medical opinions to go against the claim.
Example_ I have 2 supporting IMos from Dr. Bash and a freeby from a former VA doctor who treated my husband.
The VA has one quack opinion- where the VA doc didnt have more then 3-4 medical records and she didnt even know the VA had already admitted to malpractice nor did she even consider the veteran's autopsy.
Per VA case regs my IMOS and the additional medical evidence I sent them provides a preponderance of evidence which outweighs the VA crap opinion.
Also the fact remains (and I remind VA every chance I get of this fact) that since VA paid me a FTCA settlement for wrongful death that it is "more than likely" in light of numerous past proven VA medical errors and mistakes in diagnosis -that the VA could not diagnose Rod properly with DMII.
I have whipped out Mariano too and sent it to them-
In Aug 2006 after I got a fast remand due to VCAA errors-my rep appears tpo have tried to intimidate me by telling me he heard VA was getting another med opinion to go against the claim-(whose side are these reps on )
I put this into my OGC complaint against them- the VA sure doesnt work that fast (to get another VA opinion in days after remand) and in the past 2 years since -they havent done that-
I almost spent additional 2,000 bucks for another IMO until I realised this rep was just talking out of his butt-
the VA COULD do that but why would some local rep have any inner knowledge 2 years ago that the VA would-heck they havent even touched my files on this claim until recently-
In any event Mariano V Principi is here under a search and a veteran should not hesitate to combat any doctor shopping or "fishing expeditions" as we called them in the 1990s- to continue to deny a claim.
Berta or anyone, sorry but I tried searching for "Getting an IMO" under the search button but all I get is an error. Am I looking in the wrong area? Thanks in advance, Brian
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I see that they are saying that:
"As of this date we have received no evidence that your PTSD or anxiety disorder is due to your service connected disability alone."
You need to simply sit down with you psych doctor and ask him/her if they could simply state:
"Veteran Joe's Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder is due to his Service Connected heart disorder and the anxiety and depression that such a heart condition can cause."
If you have NO documented "stressor event(s)" then you will probably NOT ever get a PTSD "award". I, myself, personally, would spend my time and energy getting service connected due to my heart conditon having caused my anxiety and MDD. MOF, I'd almost consider forgetting about the "anxiety" and focusing upon the MDD. If it can be shown (a simple form such as rentaldude has provided you will work wonderfully) that you indeed suffer from MDD and that the psych doc thinks that the MDD is connected to your SC'd heart condition (and that, medically, is NO stretch of the imagination, but, instead is very viably medically probable for it is KNOWN and SHOWN in medical literature, world-wide, to be an almost medical certainty that if you suffer from chronic heart disease, then you WILL suffer from Major Depressive Disorder).
Heck, it'd be DEPRESSING to me to wake up in the middle of the night, wondering if my ticker was still ticking.......!
Of course, this is just my own, personal, observations and should NOT be construed as me having spent the night in the Holiday Inn Express.
LarryJ, I am trying to get an appt with my VA Phsychologist and my private Cardiologist. Unless I can get my heart condition, and especially my SC heart condition connected with my heart attack and associated problems like depression and anxiety, the VA will just keep denying my claims.
I will need some doctor to say that all my conditions are connected to my SC heart condition. Thanks for your help. Brian
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Print off THIS FORM, fill it out, and have your VA MH doc sign it. Then send it in to the VARO with either a NOD, or with a 21-4138 to reopen the claim. You can do the same thing for your TDIU and ED claims, but you'll probably need your VA PCP or VA cardiac to sign those.
EDIT: I just noticed that you are 0% sc'd. It's going to be very difficult to obtain TDIU until you have the prerequisite ratings of a single disability rated at least 60%, or a combined rating of at least 70% with one single disability rated at 40% or higher. I'm guessing you're trying to get the heart condition sc'd at 60% or higher.
rentalguy1, thanks for the info. I think my vso is going to file a NOD. Supposed to call next week and sit down with her and plan our strategy.
Yes, I am still 0% sc. I am trying to get any rating and work my way up from there. I'm at least trying to get my 10% back that they took away from me over 40 years ago. Stay tuned.
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Do you have any combat awards? That would be stong stressor for PTSD. If not you are going to have to demonstrate your stressor with proof.
john999, no I don't have any combat awards. The only proof are the VA doctors notes that they are treating me for these different things.
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I received a large brown envelope that said their decision was as follows:
1. Entitlement to individual unemployability is denied.
2. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is denied.
3. Service connection for post traumatic stress disorder (also claimed as anxiety
disorder) is denied.
4. The issue of your SC heart condition (Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia) which is
under appeal will be addressed separately.
The VA is telling me that they need evidence of my current PTSD and anxiety disorder as well as evidence showing a connection between my PTSD and anxiety disorder disability and my service connected heart condition (which is Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia. I guess they don't consider the fact that I have been under the care of the VA Phsychiatrist and VA Phsychologist for the past 2 years with plenty of documentation to show that they have been treating me for PTSD and depression and anxiety disorder.
"As of this date we have received no evidence that your PTSD or anxiety disorder is due to your service connected disability alone. We also do not have any evidence associating your service connected disability of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia with your heart attack on January 25, 2006."
I am not sure how I am going to find a link or connection that they are asking for. I am living on SSDI and can not afford an IMO from a private doctor.
Hopefully someone can help me to figure this one out.
Thanks in advance, Brian
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I had my C&P for ED by a NP. She said yes I have ED but it is most likely than not SC. They also prescribed me with Viagra to help, but have yet been approved for it!!! My exam was VERY detailed and she also asked me a million personal questions. Still waiting very patiently for something to happen with the VA.
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I am a 40% SC Vet whose increase and TDIU were both recently denied. I have been unable to work for 6 years. Shortly after this denial, I was succussful at my Social Security disability hearing, and was awarded full SS benefits.
I have already issued a NOD and am electing to go through the DRO appeal. I did this, because, in my opinion, I am looking for SOMEONE to say yes..first the VARO, next the DRO, then the BVA, and finally CAVC, if necessary to go that far. ( I heard someone say "NEVER GIVE UP") I am guessing that, through the appeal process, they wont take any benefits away that were given earlier, but I dont know that for sure.
My question is will a social security disability award help with my VA claim? That is, if one branch of the government says I am fully disabled, can another branch say I am not fully disabled but only 40%? The VA admits that I am Service Connected, and that I am P&T for PENSION, but not for TDIU. It seems to be a bit of a "slight of hand" for them to say I am service connected 40%, but then eligible for a NON SERVICE connected pension P&T. I guess they are saying 60% of my disabilities are non service connected, I just dont know how they seperate depression into service connected part and non service connected part of depression. I kind of thought you were either service connected for depression or not, I didnt think you could be part.
Thanks for your help
broncovet, I have been getting my SSDI for over 2 years. According to the Social Security people I am 100% disabled. I just went on Medicare on July 1. As far as will getting SSDI help with receiving disability from the VA, they know I am on SSDI for the same reasons as my 0% SC heart condition...but they don't seem to care and they still have not decided on my claims. You have to be 100% disabled in order to receive SS benefits but you only have to be disabled, in the VA's eyes, in 10% increments. The big difference that I have found is the people at SS are a whole lot nicer and you can usually get approved anywhere from 6 months to a year. In some cases, not all. I still don't understand the VA or how they operate.
I too am going with the saying "NEVER GIVE UP", because for 1 thing, I have nothing but time. Hang in there...Brian
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I just came back from a run and hide mission on the coast; left last Tuesday when visibility was 100ft for all the forest fire smoke. I'm in Nevada County, CA. Susanville is also in the thick of it, right; thousands of acres burning . . . Got myself and my daughter packed in less than 1 hour and got outta dodge quick! The fire season has me hypervigilent 24x7 all summer long!
Anyway, I had to use a public restroom on the coast; the concrete floors were covered in 1 inch of water, with no warning signs. I slipped and fell on my backside and hip. The county worker with shiney new truck and hella nice government job LAUGHED at me out loud. I tore him a new one: said I would sue his azz so fast his head would spin, told him I'd have him fired in no time flat. I mean I was ANGRY and let him know CLEARLY that I meant business. He PROMISED to get a sign that warned old folks like me they might fall and hurt themselves. I was rational until he laughed at me. It was a rough week with the 13 y/o teenager and 2 dogs traveling . . . Use my Base ID, and stayed at the Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma (3 dollars per night, ate in the Galley for 2-3 dollars per meal) ... And 100% ers get FREE STATE PARK priveledges in California. Sometimes it's good to get away cheap if you use your benefits. Sure felt good to come home though.
~~Wings
Wings, I too am in Nevada County, Ca... Grass Valley to be exact. The smoke is really bothering me. I am a heart patient and it really bothers my lungs to breathe. I go to cardiac rehab twice a week at the hospital and they are telling us to try to go easy on the exercises and try not to walk very much. Are you close to GV?
I'm waiting for the day the VA rates me at something other than 0% so I can use some of the State Park priveledges.
Glad your home safe...Brian
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I fixed it! It should work now.
You can't see the address due to it being under lined you may have to type the address in. tribute_flag_B_thompson.htm
ruby, it works now...very nice. GOOD JOB...nice tribute for the 4th, Thanks...Brian
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Sorry but I could not open the link. Maybe you could try posting it again.
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I applied for SSDI 6 months after I had my heart attack on Jan 25, 2006 and starting receiving SSDI 6 months later. I was 59 when I had my heart attack. I am now 62 and just went on Medicare on July 1. I have AARP as my supplement and am very happy to finally be able to afford health care. The shrink I was sent to by the SSDI people said I was a shattered wreck, in so many words, and that I was not able to work, physically or mentally. He also set my GAF at 50. I was very happy to win my SSDI because I had no idea how we were going to live on just my wifes income. It has helped me a lot, especially mentally. The people at SSDI have treated me very nice and were always very professional.
Now the VA is another matter. I have been 0% SC for a heart condition that they discharged me from the Navy with a medical discharge for over 40 years and the VA could care less that the SSDI people have decided that I am 100% disabled and will give me my SSDI for the rest of my life. My current claims are over 2 years old and I sit here waiting for the VA to decide something. It is very pathetic the way they treat us veterans.
The only other thing that I will say is DO NOT GIVE UP with the SSDI claim. If you have good medical records and work history, you will win your claim eventually. And remember, it is retro from the time you file, minus 6 months waiting period. My experience is it is a lot easier to work with the SSDI people than it is with the VA. Hang in there....Brian
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OK.
THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING ALRIGHT IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE GETTING THE IU. THANKS TO EVERYONE HEAR AT HADIT. THE VA HAS LEFT ME ALONE JUST THE ONCE A YEAR LETTER ASKING ME IF I HAD BEEN WORKING. BEEN SEEING MY VA SHINK ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS LIKE TO SEE HIM MORE BUT ITS A 160 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR ME. I MADE SURE TO TELL HIM ABOUT THE MCDONALDS INCIDENT I HAD. I LIVE IN VERY SMALL TOWN POP 5000 SO I GO TO THE LOCAL AND ONLY MCDONALDS IN TOWN TO GET THE KIDS THERE FOOD WELL GET HOME OF COURSE THEY FORGOT THE NUGGETS. SO THE PTSD WAS ALREADY INFLAMED THAT DAY SOMEDAYS ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. LEFT THE KIDS AT HOME DROVE BACK TO THE MCDEES WENT INSIDE AND WENT POSTAL. NOW REMIND YOU ITS LUNCH HOUR ITS PACKED. IT WAS NOT A PRETTY SIGHT. AND OF COURSE THERE WAS SOMEONE TELLING ME TO SHUT UP ANOTHER CUSTOMER. WELL IT WAS ON WE STEPED OUTSIDE AND LETS SAY WHEN IT WAS DONE HE WAS NOT STANDING. THE MANAGER REFUSED TO COME OUTSIDE DONT BLAME HIM. WELL I LEFT BEFORE THE COPS CAME. AND NOW I CANT GO TO THAT MCDONALDS ANY MORE. AND WHEN IT WAS ALL OVER AND I CALMED DOWN I FELT LIKE SHIT ALL OVER NUGGETS. MY WIFE WAS PISSED. ITS HARD TO EXPLAIN BUT ITS LIKE A SWITCH ONCE ITS TURNED ON IT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. BUT EVERY TIME I HAVE OUTBURST LIKE THIS MOST ARE NOT THIS SEVER AFTER I CALM DOWN I FEEL HORRIBLE. I LOOK BACK AND THINK HOW STUPID THAT WAS AND WHAT A IDIOT I LOOKED LIKE. PTSD SUCKS. NOW I HAVE REALLY GOOD VA SHRINK ANYONE WHO IS ARE IS GOING THE VA MENTAL HEALTH IN RENO LET ME KNOW THIS GUY AS BEEN ON MY SIDE ALL THE WAY. DR. VANBIBER IS HIS NAME. I TELL HIM THIS STORY AT HE STARTS LAUGHING AND TELLS ME NOT TO GO TO ANY MORE MCDONALDS. AND THEN TELLS ME TO STOP WORKING OUT. EVER SINCE I STOPED WORKING I HAVE BEEN WORKING OUT 5 DAYS AWEEK. BENCHING OVER 300LBS. I AM IN BETTER SHAPE NOW THEN WHEN IN THE CORP. ITS MY DRUG OF CHOICE FOR MY PTSD. IT GETS ALOT OF THE ANGER OUT. BUT HAS FAR AS THE MCDONALDS INCIDENT IT MAKES GREAT MEDICAL EVIDENCE JUST IN CASE THEY WANT TO REVIEW ME. THANKS EVERYONE.
Hello calnight, Just curious about you having to drive 160 miles round trip to Reno to see the VA shrink. I also live the same as you from Reno in Calif. Are you in GV or Aub. I am having problems finding a VA shrink at the Aub clinic to stay in 1 place long enough to introduce ourselves with the exception of travelling to Reno. I'm not a big fan of travelling to Reno on the van except I can't drive there myself because of my conditions. Anyway, just curious how you got hooked up with the shrink in Reno. They wouldn't let me go to any of the shrinks in Reno but they didn't have any available in Aub. Imagine that!!
Thanks in advance for any help....Brian
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It essentially means that they will not change a diagnostic code for rating purposes unless there was a gross error in the original diagnosis. In other words, if your previously diagnosed condition caused heart complications, and the newly diagnosed condition also causes heart attacks, then they will not change the rating diagnostic code. If, as in my case, you are diagnosed with a lumbar strain, and then ten years later a MRI shows intervertabral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis, then the diagnostic code can be changed. They do (or at least in my case did) make a big deal out of changing the code.
In short, they most likely would not mess around with your rating or your rating diagnostic code just because a more definitive diagnosis has been provided through a more thorough exam or new technology, because I am guessing the two conditions are fairly similiar. Likewise, it may be difficult to get rated for the new diagnosis in addition to the previous diagnosis due to pyramiding.
Hope this helps to clear it up.
Thanks rentalguy1, that does clear it up. Not sure if the VA has changed my rating, but 2 different ratings are showing up. I will contact my VSO when she returns from vacation. It kind of freaked me out, not understanding what or if the VA was pulling something over on me.
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I am with everyone else in regards to your SC'd percentage after a heart attack, but in regards to a change in diagnosis where a rating is concerned, here is the reg you need:
38 CFR 4.13:
The repercussion upon a current rating of service connection when change is made of a previously assigned diagnosis or etiology must be kept in mind. The aim should be the reconciliation and continuance of the diagnosis or etiology upon which service connection for the disability had been granted. The relevant principle enunciated in §4.125, entitled “Diagnosis of mental disorders,” should have careful attention in this connection. When any change in evaluation is to be made, the rating agency should assure itself that there has been an actual change in the conditions, for better or worse, and not merely a difference in thoroughness of the examination or in use of descriptive terms. This will not, of course, preclude the correction of erroneous ratings, nor will it preclude assignment of a rating in conformity with §4.7.
[29 FR 6718, May 22, 1964, as amended at 61 FR 52700, Oct. 8, 1996]
rentalguy1,
Thanks for responding with the VA regulation. I am sorry but I just don't quite understand what any of that means. I have read it several times and it still doesn't make any sense to me. Of course, sometimes I can read a story in the newspaper 10 times and it doesn't make any sense to me. Must be all the drugs, don't know.
Can you or someone help me understand in layman terms what that regulation means.
Thanks in advance for any help...Brian
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PS- have you formally applied yet for TDIU?
If the private doctor agrees with the premise of the claim present CAD from the inservice PAT-I suggest that you send the VA the TDIU form.
Under # 25 Remarks, tell them of the other disabilities that are secondary to th heart disease and tell them of the side effects of the meds you take (the ED might be caused by one of the meds and you could find a medical printout on the web to support that side affect of the meds.)
Under # 18 Check Yes and then in Remarks tell them what you get the SSA for- there isnt much room in # 25 Remarks so it is best to refer them in this block to separate page, put you C file number on it and tell them the above info.
I will attach the TDIU form. TDIU pays the 100% rate of comp.
That would only be contingent in your case if the IMO can connect the PAT to your present heart disease.
Berta,
Yes my VSO has already sent in the TDIU form approx 1 year ago. I checked out the different referenced posts for the IMO claims. I found these to be very interesting and informative. Of course I will have to wait until I hear something back from the VA before I proceed with any IMO from one of my private doctors. I will also talk to my VSO when she comes back from vacation.
Thanks Berta. I appreciate your help. Brian
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Berta,
I am SC for the PAT. Do you think I should try to get SC for my CAD which my private doctor has diagnosed me with?
I am being treated by the VA psychologist for depression, anxiety and PTSD, and also ED. These all came about after my heart attack. Mainly I am very afraid of having another heart attack. The doctors are helping me to overcome these fears. I also am on SSDI for 2 years now because of all these problems. I go on Medicare on July 1 and am very happy because it will be a LOT cheaper.
I have been at 0% SC for over 40 years. My 0% sc is for my PAT that the Navy discovered that I had and they gave me a medical discharge in 1966. They also gave me 10% SC for 1 year and then took it away because they said that I was cured and didn't need it any more. I didn't fight it back then.
I am waiting for a decision from my NOD that I filed over 1 year ago. Nothing yet. They sent me to a C&P for my ED. The same NP that screwed me on my heart claim diagnosed me with ED but said it was not related to my PAT. So I guess the VA wont give me the SMC for ED.
I'm still waiting to hear from the VA. Thank you in advance for any help...Brian
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I am not a doctor but have studied cardiology-
Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia usually involves rapid heart beat in upper left heart chamber-
Supraventricular Arrhythmias are arrythmias that begin above the heart ventricles-
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
can also be a result of these conditions-
What I see here is that this doctor is assuming that you would have to be SCed for the diagnosis he gave you- without regard to the diagnosis you already have-
it is more than likely medically that these conditions are related.
I am not a doctor- so whatever I say wont help you-
Why is a psychologist involved in a heart disease diagnosis anyhow?
Why does your profile say 0% SC?
What is your SC specifically for and at what rating?
"After my heart attack 2 1/2 years ago I have claimed my heart condition, depression, anxiety disorder and ED" was that your first SC claim?
"I was discharged with this PAT and am SC for this heart condition."
Are you SC but at 0 % for it?
Berta,
I am SC for the PAT. Do you think I should try to get SC for my CAD which my private doctor has diagnosed me with?
I am being treated by the VA psychologist for depression, anxiety and PTSD, and also ED. These all came about after my heart attack. Mainly I am very afraid of having another heart attack. The doctors are helping me to overcome these fears. I also am on SSDI for 2 years now because of all these problems. I go on Medicare on July 1 and am very happy because it will be a LOT cheaper.
I have been at 0% SC for over 40 years. My 0% sc is for my PAT that the Navy discovered that I had and they gave me a medical discharge in 1966. They also gave me 10% SC for 1 year and then took it away because they said that I was cured and didn't need it any more. I didn't fight it back then.
I am waiting for a decision from my NOD that I filed over 1 year ago. Nothing yet. They sent me to a C&P for my ED. The same NP that screwed me on my heart claim diagnosed me with ED but said it was not related to my PAT. So I guess the VA wont give me the SMC for ED.
I'm still waiting to hear from the VA. Thank you in advance for any help...Brian
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I am not a doctor but have studied cardiology-
Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia usually involves rapid heart beat in upper left heart chamber-
Supraventricular Arrhythmias are arrythmias that begin above the heart ventricles-
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
can also be a result of these conditions-
What I see here is that this doctor is assuming that you would have to be SCed for the diagnosis he gave you- without regard to the diagnosis you already have-
it is more than likely medically that these conditions are related.
I am not a doctor- so whatever I say wont help you-
Why is a psychologist involved in a heart disease diagnosis anyhow?
Why does your profile say 0% SC?
What is your SC specifically for and at what rating?
"After my heart attack 2 1/2 years ago I have claimed my heart condition, depression, anxiety disorder and ED" was that your first SC claim?
"I was discharged with this PAT and am SC for this heart condition."
Are you SC but at 0 % for it?
Berta,
I am SC for the PAT. Do you think I should try to get SC for my CAD which my private doctor has diagnosed me with?
I am being treated by the VA psychologist for depression, anxiety and PTSD, and also ED. These all came about after my heart attack. Mainly I am very afraid of having another heart attack. The doctors are helping me to overcome these fears. I also am on SSDI for 2 years now because of all these problems. I go on Medicare on July 1 and am very happy because it will be a LOT cheaper.
I have been at 0% SC for over 40 years. My 0% sc is for my PAT that the Navy discovered that I had and they gave me a medical discharge in 1966. They also gave me 10% SC for 1 year and then took it away because they said that I was cured and didn't need it any more. I didn't fight it back then.
I am waiting for a decision from my NOD that I filed over 1 year ago. Nothing yet. They sent me to a C&P for my ED. The same NP that screwed me on my heart claim diagnosed me with ED but said it was not related to my PAT. So I guess the VA wont give me the SMC for ED.
I'm still waiting to hear from the VA. Thank you in advance for any help...Brian
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Why are you zero percent after a heart attack.
Did you have stents or a Bypass?
The way I read it is that your procedure you had after the heart attack improved your condition.
After 40 years, they cannot take the rating away from you even at zero percent. 20 year rule may come into play.
J
I have been at 0% for over 40 years. I had my heart attack 2 1/2 years ago and have filed several claims with the VA in the past 2 years. The VA has denied one of my heart condition claims over a year ago and I filed a NOD. That claim is before the DRO.
I had 2 stents put in and have developed depression, anxiety, PTSD and ED since my heart attack. I have been under the care of the VA Psychiatrist and psychologist for almost 2 years with some progress.
I don't know anything about the VA taking away my 0% rating. I also don't know anything about the 20 year rule. Not sure what to do at this point. My VSO is on vacation and won't be back until the middle of July. I guess I will have to wait until she returns or if someone on this forum can tell me what to do.
Thanks for your help...Brian
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Have you talked to your VA doctor to ask why your diangosis was changed. It must be to benefit the VA somehow so I would follow up on this. Was this the result of a C&P exam? They may have just made a mistake in your records.
I have an appt next week with my VA doc and will certainly discuss this with him. All the VA medical records say my diagnosis is PAT. Apparently the Mental Health records have the diagnosis of Supraventiricular Arrhythmias. I have no idea how the different diagnosis shows on my records. This will probably give the VA reason to continually deny my claims because they will say my records are all screwed up.
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if the va gives you 4 viagra per month, my wife wants to know what the other 3 are for??????
Actually the VA has not given me the Viagra yet. The doctor prescribed Viagra but they haven't approved it yet. I need more than 4, sometimes they work...sometimes they don't!!
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I have been diagnosed by the VA for over 40 years with a heart condition called PAT-Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia. I was discharged with this PAT and am SC for this heart condition. When I saw my VA Psychologist last week he informed me that he was told that he could no longer check the box that "this visit is related to Service Connected Condition" as SC for my Supraventricular Arrhythmias. That means that I have to start paying for the office visits to see him.
I told him that I have never heard of this Supraventicular Arrhythmias and that I was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia. He said that he can only go with what was in my records. He also gave me a GAF of 60.
After my heart attack 2 1/2 years ago I have claimed my heart condition, depression, anxiety disorder and ED. Has anybody been diagnosed with this Supraventricular Arrhythmias and can help me understand what is going on with the change of condition. And what can I do about this? How does this help or hurt my claims?
Thanks in advance for any help....Brian
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When I saw the VA Cardiologist 3 weeks ago she prescribed Viagra for my ED. I told her that the Vardenifil that the VA prescribed just did not work. She said that because I have been diagnosed with ED that she will go ahead and prescribe 100mg of Viagra. I am still waiting for the VA to send me the Viagra. I called over to her office and when she called me back she said that it was under "consult" and it will be awhile until it gets approved. I thought that once a VA doctor writes a prescription that the pharmacy processes the order and sends it to you. They didn't waste any time cancelling my order for Vardenifil, not that it is any big deal, seeing that it didn't work any way.
The same cardiologist approved my renewal for Plavix after the VA cancelled it. I got a letter from my private cardiologist and he said he wants me to stay on Plavix for 4 years (i've been taking it for 2 1/2 years). That would leave 1 1/2 years left. The VA cardiologist read the letter and said she would approve the Plavix for the full 4 years. Last week I received my Plavix and it was for 90 days with no refills. I called her back and she said that the Plavix refill was also under consult and it would be awhile before I would hear anything.
Is the VA playing games with me on my prescriptions? Is this something new that my prescriptions are under "consult"? I don't even know what that means and do I just sit hear and wait until someone, whoever is in charge of "consults", calls me. Oh... wait a minute, why should my prescriptions be any different than my claims that I have been waiting on for over 2 years....I guess I'll just sit hear and wait to hear from the VA on my prescriptions also. I'm getting good at waiting.
Anybody have this seem experience with their prescriptions being sent to the "consult" waiting room? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance as always...Brian
Not Sure Where To Go From Here!
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
hotcoffee2,
Thank you for your interest. I can send you anything you need if it will help my claim. I appreciate the fact that you are willing to do this. Let me know what you need.
Thanks, Brian