hypertension Hypertension

[Billyboy]

I am rated for tinnitus 10%, loss of hearing 0% and MDD at 50%, (claimed as post traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorder and night sweats). My question is on the high blood pressure. First a little history; in 1962 while in the service I had the pleasure of spending some time in the Trippler mental hospital with some very serious problems. When I got out of the service I ran like hell away from the service just as fast as I could. Not knowing I could receive any help from the VA. In my service files there is no B/P checks of any kind. While in the hospital the service gave me Librium without knowing what my B/P was. My point is I want to file a claim for hypertension and I want to be sure not to screw it up. Since I have gotten out of the service (1962) my first two doctors are dead. The first report I have is 8-9-91 B/P was 142/92. The highest reading BEFORE I was enrolled in the VA system was 174/96. After enrolling in the VA Hospital Fresno I have readings from 198/105 and now getting under control 139/80. How would you go about handling the claim? What kind of evidence do I need. I know there is a loooooong gap between 1962 and 1991. Help

[Moe]

billyboy, are you saying they never took your BP the entire time in service or you can't find reference to it??

I have all my AD and post service med records and every page starts with BP and temp.. I was USAF but shouldn't be different for other services.

Don't know of anyone in combat 24/7 for their entire hitch...

[Billyboy]

"billyboy, are you saying they never took your BP the entire time in service or you can't find reference to it??"

When I filed my claim I requested from; VA Oakland RO, two bases I was stationed on and The National Service Records Center. The two places I was stationed had none, NSRC sent me some and VA Oakland RO sent me some. I assume they sent what they had? What I am saying "The records I have, no place does it show a B/P check" Now with that said I has requested my records again. The first go around I did not receive a copy of my medical discharge. bill

[Billyboy]

Berta, You asked about ny meds. I am in the process of finding all the drugs from 10-7-03 when I first started at VA Hospital. when I get it all together should I just put the whole list here? thanks, bill

[Berta]

If you file for TDIU- tell them if any side affects of any SC meds that prevent you from or hinder you from working- like do not take and drive, causes drowsiness, causes confusion -things like that-

Most meds have no side affects but some, at high dosages, do.

The side affects should be stated on a form when you get your meds.

[Billyboy]

I guess I will need to do that on the NoD? I have already filed and was not instructed on how, "just send it in" my help has his own nightmears. When it come back, hopefully I'll be more prepaired? bill

[Billyboy]

Berta, I have looked through WebMD and to say the least I am shocked at some of the side affects of the meds I’ve been taking. I know the VA does not read all the info you send them. Their in different departments or just don’t read it. When I applied for 100% unemployable the VA ask what I was referring to in the “DWK Report”, that report was mailed to them when I was connected for the MDD (PTSD). I am making a list of all pills I have taken since enrolling in the VA Fresno hospital. IT IS SCARRY THE SIDE AFFECTS. The one for drepression was Sertraline, Common side affect, dizzy. Who should not take this, Having Thoughts of Suicide The question, when I list my meds should I show all the side affects or just the ones that pertain to me. I don’t want to overload them with too much. Would you want to take a look at my meds? (List) I do plan on establishing a “Time Line” to see if it will help the 100% unemployable of what pills I was on when I gave the business to my son. I have already filled for 100% unemployable so I need to do this on a NoD. Or if you have a better idea, I’m all ears!