hypertension 1151 And Clinically Accepted Medications For Treatment

[vaf]

There is clinical evidence that long term use of steroids, such as synthroid, can result in the development of cataracts, as well as making a person more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. Testosterone therapy often results in hypertension. My question is whether I could file for an 1151 based on these conditions that have resulted from these medications, both of where were prescribed for a service-connected pituitary tumor surgery in which the pituitary gland was removed. These are both life maintenance medications, so my husband will remain on them indefinitely. How does one go about filing an 1151? Thank you.

[Josh]

Vicki,

Have any of these conditions exhibited themselves or would your 1151 claim be a presumptive condition that may happen with time?

Josh

There is clinical evidence that long term use of steroids, such as synthroid, can result in the development of cataracts, as well as making a person more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. Testosterone therapy often results in hypertension. My question is whether I could file for an 1151 based on these conditions that have resulted from these medications, both of where were prescribed for a service-connected pituitary tumor surgery in which the pituitary gland was removed. These are both life maintenance medications, so my husband will remain on them indefinitely. How does one go about filing an 1151? Thank you.

[vaf]

No, they've already occurred.

CARPAL TUNNEL

My husband developed CT after only 18 months on a job dealing blackjack at a local casino. He deals for 1.5 hours, which is followed by a 20 minute break, for an 8-hour workday. This totals six hours actually dealing, and the cycle was designed to help prevent CT in the dealers. He did not work in any previous occupation that involved repetitive hand motions. He had surgery on his wrist and a nerve release surgery on forearm for CT, and he will need CT surgery on his other wrist in the coming months. The VA noted the CT in Phil's medical file. The VA has denied the claim, claiming he developed it as a result of his occupation. We presented statements from doctors and also clinical research evidence that links prolonged steroid use to susceptibility to carpal tunnel. His doctor said it was more likely than not that he developed CT from steroid use. We also claimed that "reasonable doubt" should apply, but the New Orleans VARO didn't agree. My husband has been taking synthroid since 1992, to replace the functions of his pituitary gland, which was removed 11/92 and is service-connected at 60%.

CATARACTS

My husband had a cataract removed from one eye earlier this year, and is awaiting surgery to remove the other. The surgery was done by a civilian physician. The VA noted cataracts in his medical file. We claimed relationship to his steroid use as a secondary outcome of his s/c pituitary condition (60%). The claim was filed with the New Orleans VARO and was pending before the NOLA VARO shut down.

HYPERTENSION

My husband has been taking bi-weekly testosterone injections since 1992, when he had surgery to remove his pituitary gland (had developed a brain tumor situated on the gland, which destroyed it and all functions). We just recently received a BVA decision that retro'd his total rating for residuals of this surgery, currently rated at 60% and dated April, 1995, to August, 1993. This was based on the fact that his blood pressure readings, as stated in the VA medical files, were obviously elevated from the time he had his surgery 11/92 while he was taking testosterone, but the VA didn't formally diagnose hypertension until 1995. We are also trying to have the hypertension parsed out and rated separately.