hypertension New C & P Exam For Heart Disease

[vern2]

This is 28 April 2015 results of my C & P exam for heart disease. I have been trying since 2003 to get SC for heart disease. I had 6 tests less than 6 months after came off AD

DBQ CARDIO Heart:

MEDICAL OPINION REQUEST

TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED: Aggravation of a nonservice

Connected disability by a service connected disability.

OPINION REQUESTED: Aggravation of a nonservice connected disability

by a service connected disability.

Was the Veteran's atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease

At least as likely as not aggravated beyond its natural progression by his/her

Service connected hypertension with pulmonary hypertension?

Discussion of above question: The above question requires that the

Atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease exist prior to military

service and be aggravated by his hypertension. His atrial fibrillation

did not occur until 2013 and proof of ischemic heart disease until

2015, occurring long after his military service, and therefore this

does not seem to be the appropriate question. If we stay with the

above question the opinion is that his atrial fibrillation and ischemic

heart disease were not aggravated by his hypertension and pulmonary

hypertension.

The more appropriate question is whether the atrial fibrillation and

atrial flutter are secondary to the hypertension with pulmonary

hypertension.

Opinion: It is at least as likely as not that the atrial

fibrillation/atrial flutter/ischemic heart disease are secondary to

his hypertension and pulmonary hypertension.

Rationale: The veteran had long-standing hypertension that began

During his military service. He is service connected for hypertensive heart

disease. Hypertensive heart disease damages the muscle and electrical

system of the heart which can lead to atrial fibrillation and atrial

flutter. Hypertension also damages the arteries which causes the

cholesterol to adhere and cause ischemic heart disease. It is

therefore logical and in agreement with his cardiologist's opinion that the

hypertensive heart disease caused his atrial fibrillation/atrial

flutter and also his ischemic heart disease.

****************************************************************************

in 2003, and results showed had hypertensive heart disease, yet rater only rated me for aggravated hypertension. Been on various appeals since 2007.

This exam seems more favorable than prior exams. Any thoughts? I am currently rated 30% for hypertension.

I am trying to get 60% at least for the hypertensive heart disease.

[georgiapapa]

vern2,

It appears the VA tried to frame the question for the examiner in a manner where it would be difficult for the C & P examiner to find service connection. However, the examiner recognized the question posed was not appropriate for the actual chain of medical events shown in your medical records and the examiner provided an opinion based on what he/she believed to be the question which should have been asked to properly determine service connection.

The C & P examiner provided a favorable opinion but will the VA rep who submitted the original question accept the opinion of the examiner since the examiner appeared to disregard the original question and then provided an opinion based on what the examiner believed to be a more appropriate question. JMO

GP

[georgiapapa]

vern2,

It is possible the C & P examiner's report may not be accepted but the April 2015 C & P report along with an IMO from a private cardiologist will win your heart disease claim in my opinion. Hopefully, the VA will accept the opinion in the April 2015 report and then it will just be a question as to the proper rating for your heart disease.

Good luck to you.

GP

[vern2]

Well, I have 2 separate cardiologists dbq's that support this opinion. Agree that VARO is trying to screw me, nothing new there. BTW, this is second heart exam, as 1st one was flawed, done by different c& p doc., had to do over. Claim is on DRO review, since Oct 2013.

[georgiapapa]

vern2,

Sounds like you have your ducks in a row. I hope you hear something soon. I think it is ridiculous that your claim has been on DRO review since October 2013.

I currently have IHD, hypertension, 3 stents and a pacemaker. I received the pacemaker after being diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension and sick sinus syndrome. Prior to the pacemaker, my heart rate had been dropping into the low 30s and I would experience syncope and near syncope. I hope you follow your cardiologist's instructions. Heart disease is nothing to take lightly.

Take care.

GP

[vern2]

Thanks GP, I may end up with pacemaker, but trying to avoid it, as my wife has pacemaker and she is still trying to become used to it-had it implanted in Dec 2014.

[georgiapapa]

Vern2,

You are welcome. I hope you and your wife stay in good health and have a long happy life together.

Take care.

GP