sfetty

[sfetty]

I am rated at 50% as a Viet Nam vet with diabetes. I recently was diagnosed with A-Fib, Sick Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Flutter. I had pacemaker surgery. Do I qualify for a higher % rating because of this condition ?

[Berta]

There is plenty of info on the net as to how DMII can cause heart disease.

“Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including stroke.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5483423/

You could claim the heart problems as secondary to theDMII, with a strong IMO/IME from a real doctor with expertise in the field of Endocrinology or cardiology.

An independent medical opinion (IMO) or Exam (IME) can be costly but it is something to cnsider because the independent doc will fully read through your medical records.

I do not know if the heart disability you mentioned would full under ischemic heart disease. (IHD)

If it does you can claim it due to the 2010 Nehmer Court Order.

Ischemic heart disease usually involves atherosclerosis of the arteries.

I will try to find VA's definition of IHD for AO purposes.

 

[Berta]

This article ( Matt Hill , attorney ,is a hadit member)

https://www.hillandponton.com/ischemic-heart-disease-va-disability-benefits/

Might help.

I do not know know if you heart problems are ischemic in nature but your cardio doctor would know.