Pacemaker/defibillator

[Guest BUFF0405]

I have just recently had a pacemaker/Defibrillator implanted in my chest on June 16th. I am already 60%SC and drawing 100%IU because of the heart. I have heard that I can indefinitely be given 100%SC for as long as the AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator is in my chest. It says this in Title 38 #7011. I am wondering what would happen to my P&T stautus?? I just want to know if anyone else has been successful changing from 100% IU to SC 100% using this device as the reason.

This would give me back my full retired pay and would be worth approx. $14K in the next two years. I am looking for advice/comments from any one that can help me make a decision on whether to apply for this new rating or not. Thanx.

Take care,

BUFF0405

Tampa

[Testvet]

Good deal then, go for it

[Berta]

Dick- your vet rep is on the ball-

If they had not sent you this VCAA Notice- and then denied the claim- that would have held it all up considerably-

Make sure when you check off one of the VCAA boxes on the letter that you again briefly refer to your best evidence and refer to 7011-

is this the diagnostic code for your diability?

or did the vet rep mean something in CFR?

He sounds confident and only first or second vet rep anyone here mentioned -who actually knew about the VCAA letter.

(I edited this- I used this for my claim and forgot- here it is- he Really is on the ball)

DC 7011: from 38 CFR Schedule of Ratings:

7011 Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained):

For indefinite period from date of hospital admission for 100

initial evaluation and medical therapy for a sustained

ventricular arrhythmia, or; for indefinite period from date

of hospital admission for ventricular aneurysmectomy, or;

with an automatic implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

(AICD) in place............................................

Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or 100

less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or

syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection

fraction of less than 30 percent...........................

More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in 60

the past year, or; workload of greater than 3 METs but not

greater than 5 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina,

dizziness, or syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction

with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent..............

Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs 30

results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope,

or; evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on

electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray................

Workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs 10

results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope,

or; continuous medication required.........................

Note: A rating of 100 percent shall be assigned from the date of

hospital admission for initial evaluation and medical therapy

for a sustained ventricular arrhythmia or for ventricular

aneurysmectomy. Six months following discharge, the appropriate

disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA

examination. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any

subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of

§ 3.105(e) of this chapter.

7015 Atrioventricular block:

Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or 100

less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or

syncope, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection

fraction of less than 30 percent

[Guest BUFF0405]

BERTA: That is correct. he used #7011 as the basis for the claim because I have a combo Pacemaker/Defribillator. Claim was filed 1, August. Now I wait!!

Dick in Tampa