diabetes Agent Orange And Ischemic Heart Disease

[khensonb52]

I am rated 90% and tdiu p&t.and have been since 2002. I just learned that IHD is a presumed agent orange disease. I have IHD, and it is on a lot of my va docs notes and had a stress test showing mild ischemia. One of my ratings is for coronary artery disease tied to my diabetes because of agent orange exposure.Coronary artery disease can also cause IHD.I know their will be no benefit increase if im rated with IHD, but i would then have a schedular rating of 100% and possibly qualify for smc award. Or should i just let the sleeping dog ly? Thanks

[Chuck75]

It would depend upon how the 90% was obtained. If your IHD is severe enough to rate it at 100%, and the other disabilities warrent, it might be to your advantage to go for the additional IHD rating. I'm somewhat surprised that you did not do so when it became presumptive, due to the possibility of retro.

[meghp0405]

I believe it would be in your best interest to submit a claim for Ischemic Heart Disease. Obtain a copy of all your medical documentation pertaining to your heart disease. Submit a VA FM 21-526ez, attach the documentation and send it to the VARO in your state. You wont lose anything, but perhaps gain a 100% scheduler rating.

[harleyman]

Coronary Artery Disease is the same as IHD to the VA. Ask for an increae in your CAD. and when you write down the claim write it down as the following: "CAD also claimed as IHD" , on the claim for increase.

[Desertlivin]

I have an AO claim for IHD with an EF of 17% and a METS of 1-3. I also have Type II Diabetes (on insulin 4 times/daily), ED, being treated for anxiety and recovering from a quadruple by-pass (CABG). I'm 62 and running short on time. Any idea how to calculate survivor benefits? I have a wife 49, a 12 year old daughter and an 82 year old mother all living with me. My claim is from 2010 and is making headway. I just met with a VA Dr. to verify my 20 year/450 page documents. Any suggestions to maximize survivor benefits.

Thanks,

Sgt D.

[Berta]

You are thinking ahead as many of our vets are these days.And believe me,I sure hope you last a long time!

As long as your exposure to AO is not in question, (I am assuming you were incountry-Vietnam)and you die from a documented SC disability causing or substantially contributing to your death, your wife will attain DIC .

Here is the info on your questions:

http://benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp

Parents DIC criteria is explained in that link as well.

And children's benefits.

Also to the left of this VA page is a link to the DIC rate chart.

I get 1,215 a month DIC , as a surviving spouse ,with no children under 18.

We have done SVR radio shows here on the info survivors need and many here already have the blank DIC applications (VA form 21-534) in their 'death' files along with their VA comp info and their DD214s.

(and hopefully they have put a list in the file of their passwords....the spouses might well need to get here at hadit, when the time comes.)

You mentioned having 20 years of documents.

Did you ever formally apply for VA comp before for either DMII or CAD/IHD? If so you might have a Nehmer claim.....and get a very favorable EED for retro.

I had a 2012 AO IHD death claim.

It really required minimal documentation:

Proof of my husband's Vietnam service and

documented proof of his IHD .