hypertension Hypertension

[Billyboy]

I contacted Dr Bash and have a reply. He wants me to call him, a question? My discharge (1962) B/P was (standing) 138/88. I have a sworn statement from my mother that she remembers 6 months out of the service I told her my local Dr. told me my B/P was high. So she took it but all she can remember is 150’s over 90’s. To tell the truth I didn't remember that. The next B/P was 1991; it was 142/92 that’s with a Dr. report. Since then it’s been anywhere from 136/70 to 198/110. Both of these are with the VA Hospital trying to get the B/P under control. Should I file my claim and see what happens or should I file my claim with Dr. Bash help. Do I have enough to win? Also I have heard the VA is rejecting claims as secondary to Major Depressive Disorder (claimed as PTSD) I am connected with 50% for the MDD. I would like to kick it around for a while, AGAIN. Thanks, bill

[10thFO]

Bill,

I'm still learning, and reading the regulation manuals, but you could file for it as an informal claim to preserve the early date. Then I would wait for Dr. Bash's or any other IMO before submitting your claim file. The more info you can have in the original paperwork there is a chance that they will decide quickly (3-5 months) B) . Also the more evidence you can give them up front the less likely they will be beating through the bushes of C&P exams. If your case looks cut and clear by Dr. Bash, then they may just pass it through quickly to get a credit for that month. Definitely file an informal claim telling them you will be filing for HBP or Hypertension as service connected or as a secondary to your other issue. Then slam them with what you have together all at once. Good Luck.

Once I get my TDIU, I'm going to go ahead and file the rest of my claims that I haven't yet. That way if the HBP from my Pain Meds or any of the other issues I have cause my death, hopefully I will have lived long enough for it not to be a point, 8 Years, but I'm not risking anything.

[olenavygoat]

With the VA you'll have to have iron-clad evidence of hypertension. If you've been suffering with Major Depression since you've been out I would file it and request it be filed as a secondary service connection. Also let them know that the American Heart Assoc., the National Academy of Science, and the VA studies have proven that there is a direct link between PTSD and/or Major Depression leading to hypertension and/or heart disease (3.310 also applies). They'll probably also want you to take their blood pressure C & P which has you lie at rest and take your readings 3 times, once every half hour.

Bill,

I'm still learning, and reading the regulation manuals, but you could file for it as an informal claim to preserve the early date. Then I would wait for Dr. Bash's or any other IMO before submitting your claim file. The more info you can have in the original paperwork there is a chance that they will decide quickly (3-5 months) B) . Also the more evidence you can give them up front the less likely they will be beating through the bushes of C&P exams. If your case looks cut and clear by Dr. Bash, then they may just pass it through quickly to get a credit for that month. Definitely file an informal claim telling them you will be filing for HBP or Hypertension as service connected or as a secondary to your other issue. Then slam them with what you have together all at once. Good Luck.

Once I get my TDIU, I'm going to go ahead and file the rest of my claims that I haven't yet. That way if the HBP from my Pain Meds or any of the other issues I have cause my death, hopefully I will have lived long enough for it not to be a point, 8 Years, but I'm not risking anything.

[Billyboy]

Thanks for the info

Olenavgoat, you say “American Heart Assoc., the National Academy of Science, and the VA studies”, I like to direct the VA to these places. Can you send me the www.???????? So I can show the VA to them. I’m sure they already know where these places are but it doesn’t hurt to treat them like little kids and let them know I know! Dr. Bash sent me this site “http://www.vamrc.com/calculator/vetcalc.php Below are some links that might interest you because you can figure your VA benefit percentages with the following calculator” I can not seem to open this page any help? How can “their blood pressure C & P which has you lie at rest and take your readings 3 times, once every half hour” and know what I’ve gone thru? My B/P has been all over the place and Fresno VA “THINKS” they have my target range. Kind of unfair to lie there and I am on B/P meds now.

10thFO, you said “Definitely file an informal claim” I filed a claim for headaches and the VA denied that but ask if I wanted to file for Hypertension, and last month my reply was Yes. I am to call Dr. Bash and discuss $$$$$.

I’m trying to be as careful as I can, I am connected now 55% MDD, 10% tinnitus and 0% hearing loss. The VA with it’s rating schedule sucks. I need 30% to get to 69% and 40% to go over 70%. I am going to ask for another hearing test as my hearing has gone down hill. How do you go about that? Sorry to be so long winded, guess I just gotta let it out. Thanks, bill