Carotid Artery Disease and 38CFR Part 4

[RockyA1911]

Today I claimed Carotid Artery Disease wherein my left Carotid Artery is 100% occlusion (Blocked) and it is listed in my VA records Problem Items and my recent Carotid Artery Disease Report recently in VA Notes of 27 July, 2017.  It states in that report that I had Neck Radiotherapy due to Larynx Cancer.  I have looked at the 38CFR4 and found Cardiovascular and the conditions underneath it, but can't find the disease in there.  Does Anyone know what it falls under and what the code would be for rating it?

[broncovet]

I humbly suggest you "dont go there".  You see if you apply for CAD diagnosit code xyz, then what if your c and p doc disputes this diagnostic code for your disorder?  Instead of CAD, he says you have some other heart disorder.  By limiting your application to one diagnostic code, you burn down bridges that you have not crossed yet.  Apply for a "heart issue" and let VA determine the applicable diagnostic code, and let the doc determine the diagnosis..dont try to do their jobs for them, they dont like it. 

Dont try to self diagnose, or even rely upon a previous diagnosis as diagnosis sometimes change.  For example, you could be applying for "CAD" ONLY, when a doctor finds that you ALSO have arthersclorosis affecting other body parts, not just the heart.  

Edited August 16, 2017 by broncovet

[RockyA1911]

Broncovet,

What I am claiming is already the diagnosis that is in my VA health records and it states I have Carotid Artery Disease from complications of treated Radiotherapy (XRT Radiation) for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Larynx Cancer.  It is not IHD or CAD (Coronary Artery Disease).  It is the left Carotid Artery that supplies blood to the brain and it is 100% occluded (blocked).  The cause of both the Hypothyroidism and Carotid Artery Disease is attributed to radiation treatment which any one can google and see the causes of them and it will show several causes of which Radiation is one of them.  I got the Hypothyroidism in July of 2012, In 2015 the left Carotid Artery became 100% Blocked .  I neither had Hypothyroidism nor Carotid Artery Plaque prior to treatment of the Larynx Cancer in 2008.  My Carotid Artery is not associated with my heart, and all my tests have proven that.  So I claimed the Hypothyroidism and Carotid Artery Disease as secondary to service connected Larynx Cancer and furnished my VA Diagnosis and Problem List showing the both conditions that are current as evidence.  I was just wondering myself is all as to which part of the body the Carotid Artery Disease falls under, it is not in the Cardiovascular buis in the vascular and could fall under neurological but is not specifically listed under either.

[broncovet]

If there is no DC for it, then it may be rated under analogous ratings.  Since you are apparently already 100 percent, and I dont know what level of SMC, another rating may not mean a lot UNLESS you are trying to get your wife DIC.  That may not matter anyway, either, depending upon how long you have been married and how long after SC it is until you pass away.  Im "smelling" here, since you have a blocked artery, you are wishing to care for your spouse by making sure she gets DIC.   Please dont be offended if my guess is wrong.  

This said, you are not a rating specialist and need not concern yourself with the diagnostic code, except sometimes upon appeal it can make a difference if VA rates it under the wrong DC.  Im not going to make a guess on a DC for you for reasons I mentioned.  

As to your question "which part of the body does CAD fall under", IDK that either.  I will guess that CAD is similar to diabetes, in that it affects many if not all body systems.  

If you are referring to A and A, or other SMC's, then when you get to the level of disabilities you are at, if you have "loss of use", then it should not be difficult to SC them also.  Of course, "should" is the operative word here.  

Evidence wins claims.  If you want to service connect a new condition, did your doctor state this is due to service, or, is this on the presumptive list for you time and branch of service?  

Edited August 17, 2017 by broncovet
changes

[RockyA1911]

No, I have no spouse and I am SMC-3 and have been since 2010.  I am a believer that I need to get service connection for all conditions that would be service connected, and whether or not there is extra compensation is not a concern.  I most assuredly will not get anymore compensation but the conditions should be service connected.  My Larynx Cancer was presumptive agent orange and since completed treatment of chemo and radiation in 2008 my VA Drs are monitoring the Carotid Artery via once a year vascular duplex scans and Hypothyroidism since then because it is know to cause plaque build up in the Carotid Artery and Hypothyroidism.  And yes my VA Notes and Problem Lists have had both of those documented every year. 

These conditions were gradual after radiation treatment and Hypothyroidism began in July of 2012 of which my meds for it have increased in dosage 3 times and the Carotid Artery started at 50% Blockage in 2011 and 70% in 2012 and 100% in 2013.

The nexus of that it is well known and the VA cannot dispute it was not due to radiation treatment on my neck for the 100% rated presumptive agent orange Larynx Cancer that fell under presumptive Head & Neck Cancer.

40% of the folks that have had radiation treatment to head and neck have then gotten Carotid Artery Disease and Hypothyroidism.  We are cautioned that it is one of the risks of Radiotherapy.

[broncovet]

Ok.  I dont recommend applying for benefits that wont potentially result in additional compensation.  To me, that is like going shopping for a car when you have no ability or need to buy a car, just to give you something to do.  If you need something to occupy your time with, then I would humbly suggest something more productive...visiting grandchildren, reconnecting with old friends, reading or writing a book, playing chess or even going fishing.  

It would appear to serve no purpose except perhaps to "ease your fear" of a reduction, and I doubt it will really accomplish that either.  Why, well of course its possible for VA to reduce both of your disabilities, not just one.    If I have mischaracterized or misread you to be a "worrier", then please accept my apologies in advance.  Its pure speculation on my part..you may have other reasons for wanting to increase your rating, even tho I can quite understand why else you would do so right now.  

My experience with "worriers"  is that when one worry is taken care of, they replace that worry with another one.    

If you do fear a reduction and are giving your self "breathing room" by getting more disabilities rated, then I suggest you read up on reductions, as knowledge is empowering.  

[RockyA1911]

I'm sure you mean well Broncovet in your own way.....God Bless you Buddy  It amazes me how you come up with this stuff.  As I have stated my ratings will not be increased, I am P&T with SMC-S and it goes back past 10 years and I still have issues with my throat and vocal chords so no chance of any reduction......Why you don't get it that service connected disabilities should be documented as service connected is beyond my understanding.  Ever heard of Hearing Loss being service connected with 0% compensation? There are hundreds of thousands of vets that have that.  Or Sleep Apnea service connected with 0% compensation?  There are lost of service connected disabilities that are 0% compensation and the vets get hearing aids, CPAP machines, etc at no cost.