Moderate Concentric Left Ventricle Hypertrophy--

[Ron II]

RE: "Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electro-cardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray 30 [percent]"

I believe I have been thinking about my appeal too much. Does "evidence of cardiac hyperthropy or dilatation on ...echocardiogram or x-ray" stand alone OR must it be used in conjuction with METs testing to be valid for 30 percent. I think it stands alone because of the comma and semicolon included in the sentence. I've had so many tests, I've forgotten the purposes. I think

the Echo test involved lying on my side...

Thanks,

Ron

Edited May 26, 2008 by Ron II

[Berta]

I see this as meaning "or"

I am using this criteria for a CUE claim I have.

VA never diagnosed my husband's heart disease and it was evident in 6 years of Med recs-and part of my FTCA award.

He had 3 EKGs, and an ECHO-but no MET test at all-

The ECHO report you have should show dilation factors ,Ejection Fraction and,hypertrophy.

My husband's X ray was read wrong and it showed no hypertrophy-

the ECHO and any EKG reports you have (the actual strip reports usually are in the medical records)

They will probably contain a brief assessment of the results.

The EKG strips can show evidence of heart disease but the ECHO is more detailed.

[jbasser]

The Key word is Or. Cardiac hypertrophy is an enlarged heart and it stands alone in the ratings.

Other things can increase the rating like a Lower ejection fraction.

[Ron II]

Thank you Jbasser and Berta.

Ron

[stillhere]

If the echo test shows a low left reading not ekg or mets is needed. When I filed for my last increase for my heart the VA tried to make me take a stress test 3 weeks after I had another stent placed. I refused and insteat gave them the report from the hospital of the angio and also the echo. Funny the c&P people still called and tried to assertain what type of mets reading I should have. They gave me an 8 after I answered a few questions. That put me in the same catagory as with the lower egection. Still I did refuse the stress test until my private doc said it was OK.

Edited May 29, 2008 by stillhere

[Ron II]

Stillhere,

My ejection fraction is within the lower limits of normal. I'm hoping the "Cardiac hypertrophy (LVH)--an enlarged heart" is enough for 30 percent. If not, then I think I am wasting my time with the appeal.

Thank you for the info,

Ron

p.s.

Actually, like everyone else here, I would rather be healthy, but that was a long time ago...