diabetes Question About C&p Exam

[eg1970 1]

My father had a C&P exam for a claim to get some secondary condtions to Diabetes and PVD secondary to heart disease. The doctor wrote that his METs are 3-5 on an interview-based METs test. Since 2010 he's been getting 10% for the heart disease.
He didn't file a claim for a rating increase on the heart disease.

It says this.

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] The limitation in METs level is due to multiple factors; it is
not
possible to accurately estimate this percentage

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: COPD
Effect on METs level: unknown

Should he file an increase after his claim is finished?. His claim is in preparation for decision.
Thanks for any help.

[toddt 114]

I would, however, along with METS there needs to be one of the following: More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in 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

Being as how it was an interview based METS evaluation, I would think that he needs an actual stress test to determine the true METS and whether or not any of the other symptoms are observed. Seems to me that the VA should afford him the stress test.

Edited January 30, 2015 by toddt

[eg1970 1]

I would, however, along with METS there needs to be one of the following: More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in 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

Being as how it was an interview based METS evaluation, I would think that he needs an actual stress test to determine the true METS and whether or not any of the other symptoms are observed. Seems to me that the VA should afford him the stress test.

Thanks.

The last time he had a stress test was about 3 years ago. A few months later he had a heart attack and a stroke. He did have an echo-cardiogram done a few weeks ago and his ejection fraction is 60%.

Here is what was put.

b. [X] Interview-based METs test

Date of interview-based METs test: 1/8/2015

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] Dyspnea

[X] Fatigue

Results:

METs level on most recent interview-based METs test:

[X] (>3-5 METs) This METs level has been found to be

consistent

with activities such as light yard work

(weeding),

mowing lawn (power mower), brisk walking (4 mph)