hypertension Hypertension/ Secondary To Diabetes

[buickx]

Here is an approved claim for hypertension as secondary to diabetes..

http://www.va.gov/vetapp07/files2/0717662.txt

[john999]

You noitice how the VARO tried to get out of connecting the HBP with DMII because they were dianosed at the same time. You could have high glucose and HBP pressure for years but until you get a DMII diagnosis you get nowhere, and all the secondary conditions that exist before the actual DMII diagnosis will be denied if possible. The case in point is a good example of what you need to do to get SC'ed for a secondary condition. The VA fights even the obvious claims.

[buickx]

But.....if you have diabetes 2, and been approved for it, then a claim for hypertension is a no brainer filing this court decision with your claim........forget what DR peake says about he's not making hypertension a presumptive for AO....every vietnam vet I talk to has hypertension....

[john999]

If you have DMII and are a RVN vet "and" you are diagnosed with HBP "after" your DMII diagnosis then it is pretty easy. You still need a medical opinion saying that your HBP is secondary to DMII. If you get a HBP diagnosis five years before a DMII diagnosis you will still have a problem with the VA. I have had three secondary conditons of DMII service connected, and without a medical opinion I would not have been connected. The VA did try and say my PN was not related to my DMII because I had some symptoms of PN before the official DmII diagnosis. Now I have cataracts and that should be a slam/dunk for secondary SC to DMII. However, I believe I will still need a medical opinion to say they are connected.

[JohnM]

I was always told once a diabedic always a diabedic. My brother was told in the early 90's that he was a diabedic plus had high bp. he had controled it by weight, his primary doctor had told him he is no longer a diabedic,because it was controled on his medical reports (several) the doctor had wrote down about him being a diabedic, in 2006 he had heart surgery, his bp has been up and down for years,in Vietnam ground for 1yr.1965-66 (Army) they have denied him for heart & ht and said DMI was diagnoised after, which is not true.We will be going to Milwaukee for a hearing on this, When I do not know, How can we beat this and what should we do. We have sent in all of his primary doctors reports that stated DMI and still denied him. He is now taking medication for it. Oh and yes they have finally granted him DMI but denied the heart and HBP said it occured before his DMI but yet was diagnoised in the early 90's controlled by weight on and off. Need Help!

Thanks in advance

JohnM's Wife Dianne

Edited July 8, 2008 by JohnM (see edit history)

[john999]

JohnM

You probably need an IMO that disputes the VA findings point by point and gives a rationalized medical opinion as to why the heart and HBP is secondary to the DMII. You need a doctor who is going to make an argument for you. This you have to usually pay for by using a guy like Dr. Bash. I think DMII can be controlled but not cured.

[Guest terrysturgis]

My Primary Care Doctor wrote a letter saying my HBP is aggravated and caused by my DMII. The VA denial is based on the fact that my HBP diagnosis preceeded the discovery of my DMII. As I am already 100% P&T there is not money involved but should I die from any heart disease my wife would probably get the run around on DIC. Therefore the battle goes on.

It is easier to diagnose HBP as every time we see a health professional they take our blood pressure but for the DMII several test are needed to determine the high levels of glucose. Same as John999 said my PN came after my DMII so I never had a problem with SC for PN.

JohnM's wife, keep us posted and good luck. Terry Sturgis