Question About Cholesterol And Heart Conditions

[Shalia]

I have a question on behalf of my boyfriend.

When he was in the Army 15 years or so ago, he was diagnosed with high cholesterol, and given a minimum dose of a statin. When he got out, he was told cholesterol was hereditary and he didn't qualify for VA compensation.

Since then, however, he's had two heart attacks, and the doctors have told him that inadequate treatment of his cholesterol problem when it was found are likely responsible. I'm trying to find out if that would qualify him for VA benefits or not? Is there a way to find out? You guys are always so smart here I figured I'd ask. =)

Thanks!

Shalia

[poolguy11550]

1. Inadequate treatment while in-service would most likely fall under the Feres doctrine. This means that your SOL towards a claim.

2. High cholesterol is not a medical condition. Truth be told, nobody understands the relationship of high cholesterol and heart disease. Statics show a link between high cholesterol and certain conditions related to heart disease. The Same is true for HIV and AIDS, statics show a link but science has yet to prove the relationship. There are accepted theories, but unproven none-the-less.

So, I can tell you now, that VA's stance toward this claim will be that high cholesterol is not a medical condition and heart disease can even occur in people with normal cholesterol.

I agree with John, what other symptoms of possible heart disease my have been noted during service? You have to connect the high cholesterol to other possible symptoms and you may prove that the objective test for heart disease was the blood test showing high cholesterol supported by the subjected complaints- if documented.

As a sort-of well known fact, most Americans are at one stage or anther in the development of heart disease by time they are in their 20's.

[jbasser]

get your boyfriends service medical records and look at his BP readings in service. If they are high then you can connect the dots from that. ALso get his other medical information, especially during his first year post service. If the BP readings were hifh then is falls under presumptive if the systolic is 160 or higher or diastolic is 100 or higher. (In order to be presumptive it must be compensable according to the regulations).

J

[jerrbilly]

I think High Cholesterol is a medical condition. I take medication to lower my bad cholesterol. Anything you have to be treated for is considered a medical condition.

Its not considered a "disabling" medical condition (on its own) and this would be the reason the VA doesn't compensate for it.

Jerr

1. High cholesterol is not a medical condition. Truth be told, nobody understands the relationship of high cholesterol and heart disease. Statics show a link between high cholesterol and certain conditions related to heart disease. The Same is true for HIV and AIDS, statics show a link but science has yet to prove the relationship. There are accepted theories, but unproven none-the-less.

[Shalia]

get your boyfriends service medical records and look at his BP readings in service. If they are high then you can connect the dots from that. ALso get his other medical information, especially during his first year post service. If the BP readings were hifh then is falls under presumptive if the systolic is 160 or higher or diastolic is 100 or higher. (In order to be presumptive it must be compensable according to the regulations).

J

Wait, so high blood pressure is compensatable, but high cholesterol is not? Huh... I'll get him to get the records for that. His blood pressure is sky high now, not sure how it was 15 years ago though. Thanks for the tip!

As to the other questions, he's been on a statin since he was told his cholesterol was high. Taken like prescribed.

[john999]

I agree that if your boy friend had HBP readings in service this might be the place to start. HBP is compensable and also can be shown to lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems like stroke. The SMR's are what you must mine to find something to go on to get SC'ed for the current problems. The more time passes between discharge and a claim the harder it gets.

My brother has high cholesterol and it has been under control for about 20 years. So far he is ok. I have high cholesterol and mine in controlled but I still developed CAD due to DMII. Now I also take blood pressure meds. At present I have lived about 15 years longer than my father who died from heart disease (WWII vet who smoked and had no idea about cholesterol). If your boy friend smokes that is a deadly combination with high cholesterol and HBP. I am sure with his heart problems he does not smoke, but that is a warning to others.

[jerrbilly]

I got this from another post:

7101 Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic

hypertension):

Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more............................................................. 60

Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more............................................................. 40

Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure

predominantly 200 or more............................................................................

....... 20

Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure

predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an

individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100

or more who requires continuous medication for control......................................... 10

Wait, so high blood pressure is compensatable, but high cholesterol is not? Huh... I'll get him to get the records for that. His blood pressure is sky high now, not sure how it was 15 years ago though. Thanks for the tip!

As to the other questions, he's been on a statin since he was told his cholesterol was high. Taken like prescribed.