BW326

I just had the stress test 2 weeks ago for a C&P exaam for my IHD claim. I was rated at 10% 2 years ago and filed an appeal. The results of the stress test gave me a high LVEF number (around 7.6) the same as previous test had. The first test was treadmill, latest test was chemically induced because I had passed out at the previous test after reaching about 85% of goal bpm. During this latest C&P exam, the examining doctor told me it was unlikely they would change my rating based on the LVEF from most recent test. He asked if I had any further questions and I said, "My only question is, if my LVEF is so good why do I have the continued daily issues with angina every time certain triggers happen (stress, after a meal, during light or moderate exercise)? He looked again at the tests and asked if I had taken my normal meds, which I had. Beta-blocker (Metoprolol), also Isosorbide, and 2000MG of Ranolazine (for chronic angina). He left the office for about 10 mins then came back and his whole attitude had changed. He said that I should not have taken meds for this test or the previous one and that, especially with the Ranolazine. He wrote up notes on my exam for about another 10 mins then said I would now, likely get an increase in my rating and it would go back 3 years to when I originally filed my claim. I was condused and several days later was doing some reserach about whether to use meds for a stress test and I found an article that looked at a study on this and the recommendation to doctors was, "Depends on what you want to test for." If the doctor wants to see the efficicency of the meds, then take meds before test. If teh doctor wants to asses the degree of the disability, do not take meds starting 48 hrs before test (tapering off the first 24 hrs then no meds the 2nd 24hrs). This is probably the answer to the question I originally posed to the doctor, "If my LVEF is so good, why do I have daily angina when trigger trhesholds are exceeded ?" (i.e., stress, after meals, during or after exertion). Seems to me that the VA needs to re-evaluate the policy for stress tests for C&P vs. normal testing to see effectiveness of meds under normal (none trigger situations).

How to quickly find Your Congressman.and send him your comments on SA4222 Since Senator Webb's Amendment is going directly to the 111th Congress for review it's best to send an email directly to 'your' representative congressman… here's a quick way to do that that only requires your zip code. (1)You'll need your zip code + 4-digit extension. If you don't already have it, look it up here first before going to the next link (US Post Office Lookup site) http://www.usps.com/zip4 (2) Now, send your congressman (he's the one who actually represents the household where you live and is part of the 111th Congress reviewing this amendment) (Go to this link, enter the zip+4 and you're ready to send your comments) https://writerep.hou...p/welcome.shtml Feel free to pass these instructions on to every veteran's organization you can.

How to quickly send comments directly to your congressman... Since Senator Webb's Amendment is going directly to the 111th Congress for review it's best to send an email directly to 'your' representative congressman… here's a quick way to do that that only requires your zip code. (1)You'll need your zip code + 4-digit extension. If you don't already have it, look it up here first before going to the next link (US Post Office Lookup site) http://www.usps.com/zip4 (2) Now, send comments to your congressman (he's the one who actually represents the household where you live and is part of the 111th Congress reviewing this amendment) (Go to this link, enter the zip+4 and you're ready to send your comments) https://writerep.hou...p/welcome.shtml Feel free to pass these instructions on to every veteran's organization you can.