Hello All!
I was notified that some day I will be receiving a letter to go to Washington for a hearing for my appeal. I filed for hypertension secondary to chronic pain. Here is a synopsis...
Leading up to my first surgery in 1994 done by the Army. I was told to come into the aide station to have my blood pressure recorded. Being a dumb 21 year old Airborne Infantryman I didn't think nothing of it. I went, my pressure was high and it was logged in my medical records. I had my spinal fusion to correct a parachuting accident.
Mar 1994, I was discharged because the fusion didn't work. Right before, back to the aide station for blood pressure check-ups. I didn't file for it at discharge cause they don't tell you those things then.
1998 I am put on blood pressure medication and an aspirin at the VA hospital in Pittsburgh.
2003 (roughly) I was 31 and I had a mini-stroke. I went to the VA in Pittsburgh, they couldn't find anything. I move to Texas with my Ex and our kids. Shortly there after, I get a call from the Nuerology Department at the VA. You need to see a Neurologist, we found something. I go see one. The is when I found out about the TIA.
I the mean time, I did file for Service Connected for Hypertension and was denied. I figured, screw it. I got the rating I was happy with for me back and knees.
The EX leaves and I am taking care of my three kids on my own. My blood pressure is not controlled and neither is my pain. I go to the ER on several occasion, without telling the Triage nurse what is wrong she sees my BP is high and says, "you are in pain."
At this point, I am put on double the dose of medication. Due to my blood pressure being high from the chronic back and knee pain.
Has anyone out there tried to do this and succeeded? I am concerned with the hearing coming up, who knows when, but this has been on my mind to ask.
Thank-you all for any and all input!
Jim