hypertension What Is Considered New Evidence To Open A Claim

[mountain tyme]

Good Evening...I have a question...I am helping a vet with his claim for hypertension that began during his military service. He filed for hypertension back in 2008 and the VA denied his claim...the VA stated

"The service treatment records show occasional isolated elevated blood pressure readings, often associated with weight control counseling. In xxx of 19xx, you were referred for a 5-day blood pressure evaluation; hypertension was not shown. In xxx of 19xx, you were seen for neck pain, feeling faint, and dizziness associated with going from a sitting to a standing position. You were referred for a 5-day blood pressure evaluation, and again, a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension was not warranted. In xxx of 19xx, you were admitted to xxxxxx community hospital for an extensive cardiovacular evaluation to rule out coronary artery disease. This evaluation revealed no chronic cardiovascular condition, to include hypertension. Routine periodic examinations including your retirement physical, revealed normotensive blood pressure readings, with no evidence of hypertension.

At the VA examination dated xxx 31, 19xx blood pressure reading were within normal limits. Hypertension was not claimed by you or noted by the examiner.

The VA treatment reports show that you first complained of elevated blood pressure readings on xxx 26, 20xx; hypertension was diagnosed at the time and you were prescribed medication.

On xxx 15, 20xx, your claims filed and all the available evidence were reviewed by a VA examiner for the purpose of providing a medical opinion regarding the onset/etiology of your hypertension. The examiner notes that there were isolated elevated blood pressure readings during active military service. However, he notes that the majority of your blood pressure readings thoughout military service were normotensive, and he also notes that a 5 day blood pressure check did not confirm a diagnsis of hypertension. He notes that your current hypertension was first diagnosed and treated many years after your discharge from active miliaty service. Based on these factors, he provides the opinion that your current essential hyperstension did not at least as likely as not manifest to a compensable degree during active military service.

Sevice connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experince in service."

Now what would I need to do to reopen this claim?? would the following be enough to open the claim...

1.) after filing this claim he remembered that right after he retired out of the Military he went for a few years to a family practice doctor that the company he worked for had on retainer...

his blood pressure within 2 years from discharge were in the 140/102 range years before he was diagoised the doctor did write in this notes that he may have hypertension but the vet did not know that until he picked the records up last friday...these records were not submitted to the VA.

2.)A few months ago I told him to send for the (civilan hosp.) medical records to the hosp. that the Military sent him to after he had an episode of Arteria Fib back in 1988...

He received the medical records...that he did not send into the VA for his claim nor did the VA mention they had the medical records from the civilian hospital the VA only stated what the AF doctor said and did not even mention that the civilian cardiac doctor highly recommened a Cardiac Catherization *that never was preformed to rule out cardio diease*

While in the Hospital the Cardio Doctor did recommend that the "vet" undergo a Cardiac Catherization which he was willing to do. Yet, the base decided not to approve the procedure at that time. Needless to say the Cardiac Catherization was never performed.

In The medical records from xxxxxxx Hospital the Doctor wrote:

"In view of this new onset of chest pain and accompanying atrial fibrillation and J point abnormality on the exercise treadmill, cardiac catheterization was recommended for further assessment of early cardiomyopathy. This will be done on an elective basis at an Air Force Base Hospital. The results of the above-mentioned tests and the recommendation for cardiac catherization were discussed with Dr. xxxxx at xxxxx Afb Hospital.

The patient is discharged on no medications and will see Dr. xxxx for follow-up tomorrow."

After reviewing the "VET's" military service records by all accounts the "Vet" went in for his follow up appointment to discussed the plan of treatement and to inquire when he would have the cardiac catherization preformed at the time doctor (Air Force doctor) did not feel the test was warranted since the Fib. Resolved itself...now get this..his B/P and pulse taken on that day was...

10 May 1988 90/58 pulse 60 and he was released back to work that day.

so based on the VA denial letter not all test were preformed esp. the one that WOULD HAVE ELIMINATED HYPERTENSION or cardiac diease.

3.) 2 months ago he had a pacemaker put in...and while there he was given information regarding hypertension and by his in service b/p readings he most definaly had pre-hypertension readings and as the VA denial letter stated there were hyperstension readings...

4.) He will be dropping off his in-service medical records to his cardiologist to see if he can determine if the vet had hypertension based on his military records...or even pre-hypertension

any advice would be so highly appricated by this Vet and his family...I feel strongly he has a good case he just did it alone with no help...so here we are...can he reopen this claim...

thank you in advance and God Bless

MT

[stillhere]

I would like to chime in here if it is OK. I was denied at first and denied on appeal for heart disease and did not get it connected until I had a heart attack. I had been DXed with HBP in my initial claim for DM2 which was rated at 0%.

I wanted to mention that if you look at the regs for HBP there is no rating for pre-HBP because you either have it or you don't. You can continue down that road if you want but the cardio doc's is going to have to make that nexus and it is going to have to be good.

His heart problem with the pacemaker and all sounds like he has a problem with his electrical system of his heart and if I am not mistaken that has nothing to do with hypertension.

I met a gentleman on a golf trip a few years ago after I had my heart attack and damaged the heart muscle by not seeking help right away. Now I have always been told not to lift anything over 35lbs. since then and my stamina is nowhere near where it used to be. My enjection factor for my heart hovers between 46 and 50% because of the blockages and damage. Anyhow this guy with the pacemaker was playing rings around me and had all kinds of get up and go. My next meeting with my cardio doc I asked how come the guy wasn't taken it easy like me? My doc said he's heart is fine and has an electrical problem.

Anyhow I guess I am trying to say have this guy get the real evaluation from his heart doc that is the ONLY thing that will help this. And remember in a Nexus he can not just say so and so has this because I say so. He has to back it up with medical rantionale.

Good luck to him!