Who requests secondary claims?

[Vync]

My fuzzy memory recalls something about the VA being required to develop claims to maximize benefits (i.e. explore potential secondary claims).

My recent claim was for "Heart condition due to medications for TMJ, upper and lower spine". Is the VA required to fully explore side effects of medications to treat all SC disabilities or just the specific scope requested?

I ask because I found many medications used to treat other SC disabilities may cause risk factors  (i.e. hypertension, weight gain, high cholesterol). I'm hoping to be able to tie these in as secondary conditions which contributed to my heart attack.

 

[vetquest]

The VA might be supposed to be working in the veteran's best interests and applied SMC to my case without my asking but I do not see them looking into the side effects of medication.  One of my medications that I used to take caused cognitive dysfunction but they never looked at that.  I would spell it out for them if it was me.

[ShrekTheTank]

Take it to the Barney level so they can’t miss it. 

[brokensoldier244th]

I filed for sleep apnea based on obesity as a secondary condition to medication and reduced inactivity due to chronic pain and physical therapy notes that said I can't lift more than about 15 lbs. I had to appeal, but I did win it. They didnt file it, I did. 

[Vync]

1 hour ago, shrekthetank1 said:

Take it to the Barney level so they can’t miss it. 

Maybe I should write my response to them in crayon

[vetquest]

Only in blue or black, they do not accept red.

[paulstrgn]

1 hour ago, Vync said:

Maybe I should write my response to them in crayon

Don't forget the pictures...they may need a diagram to help connect the dots!