I have suffered with Angina since 1994 and have been on medication since then. This is a result of my in-country Vietnam service and exposure to Agent Orange. I recently had to perform a treadmill stress test for the VA at a QTC facility here in Houston for my AO IHD claim.
Before the test, I was interviewed by a Doctor and I asked him if I should take the treadmill test or simply do the echo-test. His response was my choice, but that most people opt for the echo test since it is easier on the body. The results are not as conclusive as the stress test but again are easier and safer to perform.
If the stress test is attempted and cannot be completed due to fatigue or pain then they will fall back on the echo test.
Anyway, I wanted to attemp the stress test, which is actually called the Bruce Stress Test.
We did it and I was able to last long enough to reach the max. heart rate for me calculated for my age (61) to be (220bpm -age = calc heart rate) or 220 - 61 = 159bpm.
My normal heart rate at rest is around 61-65 bpm due to the medications.
The test was a success and my METS were 7.6
I looked up the IHD rating for compensation in the present table and see I fall into the 10% category as I must take my meds or suffer constant Angina attacks, but the METS level of 7.6 means I am able to ride a bike and perform some light physical work.
Now the question I have is this:
Are they basing the ratings only on the results of the stress test?
If you are testing for IHD, I would like to think that testing is performed without the medications if possible, to see what you can do and can't do.
I can't find any reference to the procedure pertaining to taking meds vs. not taking meds.
I realize that I don't need a stent as yet, but my physical ability seems to be rather curtailed which should rate a higher rating than 10%..
I am not complaining of being in better health just for the sake of a few dollars, but am concerned with the criteria for disability ratings.
Any input greatly appreciated while we wait for the last of the 60 day delay.
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NSA-Saigon-ET
Hi Everyone,
I have suffered with Angina since 1994 and have been on medication since then. This is a result of my in-country Vietnam service and exposure to Agent Orange. I recently had to perform a treadmill stress test for the VA at a QTC facility here in Houston for my AO IHD claim.
Before the test, I was interviewed by a Doctor and I asked him if I should take the treadmill test or simply do the echo-test. His response was my choice, but that most people opt for the echo test since it is easier on the body. The results are not as conclusive as the stress test but again are easier and safer to perform.
If the stress test is attempted and cannot be completed due to fatigue or pain then they will fall back on the echo test.
Anyway, I wanted to attemp the stress test, which is actually called the Bruce Stress Test.
We did it and I was able to last long enough to reach the max. heart rate for me calculated for my age (61) to be (220bpm -age = calc heart rate) or 220 - 61 = 159bpm.
My normal heart rate at rest is around 61-65 bpm due to the medications.
The test was a success and my METS were 7.6
I looked up the IHD rating for compensation in the present table and see I fall into the 10% category as I must take my meds or suffer constant Angina attacks, but the METS level of 7.6 means I am able to ride a bike and perform some light physical work.
Now the question I have is this:
Are they basing the ratings only on the results of the stress test?
If you are testing for IHD, I would like to think that testing is performed without the medications if possible, to see what you can do and can't do.
I can't find any reference to the procedure pertaining to taking meds vs. not taking meds.
I realize that I don't need a stent as yet, but my physical ability seems to be rather curtailed which should rate a higher rating than 10%..
I am not complaining of being in better health just for the sake of a few dollars, but am concerned with the criteria for disability ratings.
Any input greatly appreciated while we wait for the last of the 60 day delay.
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