hypertension Amazing The Things You Find When You Go Through C-file!

[Shark]

The basics, I am 50% SC for PTSD, 20% SC for DM2, and 10% SC for PN for each limb for a total of 80% SC. I filed for TDIU last July and was denied and filed a NOD in October.

I just found in my C-file the results of a VA ordered medical exam done in March of 2005 which included an addendum which states:

"The veteran reported high blood pressure problems for the past two years and has been on antihypertensive medication. The diagnosis is HYPERTENSION, at least as likely as not related to diabetes."

The VA never rated me hypertension as a result of this exam. In this exam I was 164/84 and will run in the 140's/80's today and am on multiple antihypertensive meds. Is this a CUE? Should I say anything now and disrupt the process of my current appeal? I am guessing at best I will only get 10% on this which will not raise my overall %.

Any thoughts? Should I just ask for a rating for hypertension second to DM2 and hope they re-examine my more current evidence in support of TDIU?

I also found in my SMR visits to the doc for heart burn on multiple occassions (currently have GERD) and multiple visits for back pain (currently take pain meds for back pain) should I file for these too?

Thanks to all for all of your previous help!

[deltaj]

Any chance you specifically asked for compensation for your back in your original claim? IF you did and they did not give you a rating...you could get it dated back to your original claim...???

Have your Dr. order an MRI for your back. Submit submit submit. I have had severe back pain from an injury over 10 years ago and it has only gotten worse...!

Take care of yourself!!!

This is an inferred issue. Search on google under M-21 AND inferred issue. You'll get at least 2 sections of the M-21 referring to this and one of those specifically addresses an inferred issue of hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. Could someone put up a link to those 2 sections from the M-21? I think you need a really knowledgable service officer to help you file a claim asserting that V.A. erred in failing to recognize this inferred issue and to send you a formal claims application.

Edited July 23, 2009 by deltaj