Going In To The Hospital For Ep Study

[bm6546]

I am scheduled to go into the hospital on Oct 19. I will be having an EP study on my heart arrhythmias and Tachycardia. Depending on what they find they will either do an ablation or an (AICD) Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defrillator. If they cure my tachycardia with the ablation then that would be great and I will be very happy. If the ablation doesn't work then they will implant the AICD. I am currently SC at 0% for (SVT) Supraventicular Tachycardia and (PAT) Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia. The cardiologist thinks I may either have the SVT or (VT) Ventricular Tachycardia. The EP study will determine what exactly I have and the necessary treatment.

One thing that the cardiologist mentioned to me was that whatever condition I have that it "may" be a congenital condition that I have had since birth. The question I have is, what will this mean with the VA as far as my SC claim is concerned? Could this be a certain denial because they will say I was born with this heart condition, therefore I am not eligible for disability? I have been SC for this PSVT for approx. 45 years. My current claim is in the appeal process and is going nowhere fast.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Brian

[bm6546]

Sorry, it should say "defibrillator"

[john999]

When were you first DX'ed with these problems?

[bm6546]

When were you first DX'ed with these problems?

I was diagnosed with PAT while I was in the Navy. That was back in 1966 and they discharged me and gave me 10% for 1 year and then took it away from me. I am trying to get my 10% reinstated.

[jvretiredvet]

One thing that the cardiologist mentioned to me was that whatever condition I have that it "may" be a congenital condition that I have had since birth. So?

The question I have is, what will this mean with the VA as far as my SC claim is concerned? Nothing.

Could this be a certain denial because they will say I was born with this heart condition, therefore I am not eligible for disability? No. The condition was diagnosed while you were in service. You (apparently) are service connected for SVT and PAT.

There are several threads somewhere on these forums which discuss whether a congenital or inherited (familial) conditions can be service connected or not; the answer is yes. Whether a condition is familial/hereditary/congenital is not an absolute bar to service connection.

Furthermore, whether the condition was granted in error or not, you have been service connected for <far> more than 10 years, so the issue of service connection itself is protected. Unless of course, there was fraud involved in obtaining service connection some 40+ years ago.

My current claim is in the appeal process and is going nowhere fast. Appealed what? If related to PSVT or PAT, what were the reasons given that made you dissatisfied?

Do your symptoms include: " Permanent atrial fibrillation (lone atrial fibrillation), or; one to four episodes per year of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular tachycardia documented by ECG or Holter monitor", which is required for a 10% evaluation?

I am scheduled to go into the hospital on Oct 19. I will be having an EP study on my heart arrhythmias and Tachycardia. Depending on what they find they will either do an ablation or an (AICD) Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defrillator. If they cure my tachycardia with the ablation then that would be great and I will be very happy. If the ablation doesn't work then they will implant the AICD. I am currently SC at 0% for (SVT) Supraventicular Tachycardia and (PAT) Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia. The cardiologist thinks I may either have the SVT or (VT) Ventricular Tachycardia. The EP study will determine what exactly I have and the necessary treatment.

One thing that the cardiologist mentioned to me was that whatever condition I have that it "may" be a congenital condition that I have had since birth. The question I have is, what will this mean with the VA as far as my SC claim is concerned? Could this be a certain denial because they will say I was born with this heart condition, therefore I am not eligible for disability? I have been SC for this PSVT for approx. 45 years. My current claim is in the appeal process and is going nowhere fast.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Brian

[bm6546]

Yes, I am SC for PAT which has been changed to Supraventicular Arrhythmias.

And yes, I have been SC for approx 46 years.

There was no fraud involved when I was diagnosed and service connected.

The reason I am disatisfied is because the VA assigned a 10% rating back in 1966 and then took it away from me after 1 year. The C&P rater said I didn't have the PAT anymore and I was fine now. Well, I still have it and its getting worse over the years. I believe a 10% rating is required mainly because of the need for "continuous medication". The VA cardiologist prescribed medication for my PAT in 2008 and it helped a little bit. Now my private cardiologist is sending me for a EP study to see what they can do to help me.

My claim was denied 3 times by the RO in Oakland over the past 6 years and was then sent to the BVA. The BVA remanded it back to the RO 1 year ago. I am waiting for a new C&P.

[Pete53]

I agree with others that they should buno your rating.

Good luck on your EP study.