ptsd Kinda Confused About Results....

[rcscrow15]

Hello everyone, first time posting here but not my first time on this site......I have used all that I have learned here and applied it with much success.....The knowledge here is just the best....Thank you all for your insight and guidance......I had an general medical c & p exam in November of this year. I did not find out what it was until I got there and it was for an SVT. The following is what I need your expert insight on: Please see below:

What does the orange area mean, and what impact will it have towards my current IU claim?

Date of interview-based METs test: 11/7/14

Symptoms during activity:

The METs level checked below reflects the

lowest activity level at

which the Veteran reports any of the

following symptoms (check all

symptoms that the Veteran reports at the

indicated METs level of

activity):

[X] Fatigue

Results:

METs level on most recent interview-based

METs test:

[X] (>7-10 METs) This METs level has been

found to be consistent

with activities such as climbing

stairs quickly,

moderate bicycling, sawing wood,

jogging (6 mph)

c. If the Veteran has had both an exercise stress

test and an interview-based

METs test, indicate which results most accurately

reflect the Veteran's

current cardiac functional level:

[ ] Exercise stress test [X] Interview-based

METs test [ ] N/A

d. Is the METs level limitation due solely to the

heart condition(s)?

[ ] Yes [X] No

If no, estimate the percentage of the METs

level limitation that is

due solely to the heart condition(s):

[X] 0% [ ] 10% [ ] 20% [ ] 30% [ ] 40%

[ ] 50% [ ] 60% [ ] 70% [ ] 80% [ ] 90%

e. In addition to the heart condition(s), does the

Veteran have other

non-cardiac medical conditions (such as

musculoskeletal or pulmonary

conditions) limiting the METs level?

[X] Yes [ ] No

Other medical condition #1: lack of energy due

to PTSD

Effect on METs level: 100%

15. Functional impact

---------------------

Does the Veteran's heart condition(s) impact his or

her ability to work?

[X] Yes [ ] No

16. Remarks, if any

-------------------

Although veteran has a normal EKG currently, a

diagnosis of SVT is

given based on history.Claimant is waiting to

see a cardiologist for

further evaluation.

Thanks

[Berta]

I am confused too...

Are you service connected for PTSD? If so at what percent?

Did you claim fatigue as secondary to the PTSD?

"Other medical condition #1: lack of energy due

to PTSD

Effect on METs level: 100%

15. Functional impact

---------------------

Does the Veteran's heart condition(s) impact his or

her ability to work?

[X] Yes [ ] No"

This could possibly set the stage for TDIU consideration ,if you are not working, based on how the examiner answered, but still

......it is confusing.

Do the meds you take for the PTSD cause the fatigue?

Are you service connected for SVT yet?

http://www.va.gov/vetapp07/Files2/0711771.txt

This above BVA decision has the rating criteria for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

I think the cardio exam will tell you more.

I am confused about the way the claim was filed.

Fatigue on it's own is only a symptom.

Edited December 25, 2014 by Berta

[Chuck75]

With SVT diagnosed, I'd suggest considering getting an outside VA interventional cardiologist's opinion.

At 45, it's possible that blockages might be coming and going, or even moving around.

It's also worth noting that 45 is in an age range that is at risk for an unexpected heart attack, with little or no

proceeding or obvious symptoms. Such attacks result in a higher death rate than those that occur later in life.

If the veteran with such a problem happens to be female. the risks are higher, and not as well understood as in a male.

Fatigue, intermittent high blood pressure, and high pulse rates can be a symptom of many pending or existing heart problems.

Long term stress, caused by PTSD, by itself, can lead to heart problems.

I've said this as someone that survived "silent" heart attacks, and eventual open heart surgery at about the same age.

My brother also a Navy veteran, was not so lucky, and died due to a massive heart attack and failed open heart surgery.

He was in his early 40's.

Edited December 25, 2014 by Chuck75

[rcscrow15]

I had an SVT episode (strong, I thought it was a heart attack) back in September 27, 2013.......That day took everything out of me.....I never returned to work.......ptsd took over in the worse way ever...........I have not put in for fatigue as secondary to PTSD yet.....

The meds I take do make me very fatigued and i think are also related to my OSA........I am SC for PTSD 70%....This C & P was ordered because of TDIU submitted.....it was the second C & P ordered (first mental then general medicine) (found out it was for SVT on that day)....

.....I am not service connected to SVT Yet......

Thanks for the decision link......

Thanks Berta and Chuck