Combat Vet (Desert Shield/Storm) and OIF - Retired (PTSD and Heart Disease) (TBI and Torn Retina)

[Top G]

I'm a retired veteran with 20-years active duty service.  While on active duty I was diagnosed with PTSD and Hypertension along with other service-connected disabilities.  

11 years after my retirement, I had to undergo surgery to have 2 stents implanted (widow maker).  I was recently talking with a friend recently and he said I should file a claim for my Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and the fact I had to have 2 stents implanted as a result.  This got me thinking and so I started doing some research to see if there are connections between PTSD and CHD.  Sure enough I have run across a few articles on this.

I'm coming to you all for input as to if it would be a waste of time in putting a claim together or if I should put in a claim.  I'm definitely leaning on putting a claim in however, I don't know what all I would need.  I do have my medical records for the surgery, but how do I indicate that I believe this to be connected to my PTSD.  Any input on this is very welcome.

While on active duty I also sustained a TBI from a 40mm HEDP grenade.  This caused me to lose consciousness and eyesight for a few minutes.  About 20 years later, I had a torn retina.  There was no history of me having any other injuries to my head or eyes in between the time of the grenade concussion and when my retina tore.  Just woke up one morning with it. Had to have surgery the same day to close the tear which now has left me with even more floaters.  Now, in between the time of the grenade injury and through the many years, I do have a history of floaters being seen.  My thought is that my retina took on a minor injury that over time got worse and eventually tore.  Don't know how I prove this.  I do see there is some information about a nexus letter.  Any help on this is also appreciated.

Edited November 15, 2020 by Top G

[broncovet]

You are on the right track.  To be Service connected you need these things:

1.  Current diagnosis of PTSD

2.  In service event or aggravation.

3.  Medical nexus, which, as you say, is a statement from a doc that your CHD is at least as likely as not related to your PTSD (provided that, PTSD is SC).  

 

[Top G]

9 minutes ago, broncovet said:

You are on the right track.  To be Service connected you need these things:

1.  Current diagnosis of PTSD

2.  In service event or aggravation.

3.  Medical nexus, which, as you say, is a statement from a doc that your CHD is at least as likely as not related to your PTSD (provided that, PTSD is SC).  

 

Thank you. 
 

1.  I was diagnosed while in active duty, service-connected and receiving VA compensation. Box checked. 
 

2.  I’m not for certain what you mean with this one. I wasn’t diagnosed with CHD while on active duty, but was with Hypertension, PTSD and Sleep Apnea. I probably should have mentioned the Sleep Apnea diagnosis earlier. My assumption is that the PTSD (anxiety and restless sleep of nightmares), Hypertension and Sleep Apnea have all contributed to my CHD. 
 

3. So sounds like I’ll need a nexus letter from my family Doctor (she is a MD) for my CHD claim?  Same for my torn (detached) retina?

[GBArmy]

Top G What Broncovet is saying is you need those 3 things to win for a service connected disability. In my opinion, you need to get S-C for CHD as secondary to the HTN you are disabled for. You need a doctor to say they are connected, not what you think or what would make common sense. It has a separate diagnostic code and, therefore, a separate disability for you. Your symptoms, including the stints and all are what you will be rated on after the heart surgery. You need an IMO and nexus from a heart doc to say they are related. Same for your eye. You need an IMO from a eye specialist that says your current issues are a direct result from the grenade. Nexus and IMO. Read up more on what makes a good IMO to win.

[brokensoldier244th]

Concussions bruise optic nerves. I had one several weeks ago from a car accident and I still can’t get my glasses remade because my focal point has changed due to the concussion. May be permanent may not, we won’t know for several more weeks. Talk to an ophthalmologist. Mine used to do National talks about concussion residuals, she’s not surprised at all at my eyes issue. 

[El Train]

Regarding TBI claim: You will more than likely need to seek out a Psyc. Dr. to review your records and make the connection.  There are a few of them out there that are familiar with these types of VA IMO and nexus experience.  I even had a forensic MD review my records and service connect me for the tbi.  PM me if you want the one I used.  The VA may choose to ignore his IMO, but this will at least get the ball rolling.  It will be the VA contract Dr's and raters making the ultimate decision.   I had multiple QTC TBI (3) c&p's, and 2 Ptsd c&p's.  I guess it was necessary to try and separate TBI symptoms from Ptsd.  A lot of overlapping symptoms.  Be prepared for this.  When all was said and done, I got rated 100% ptsd with tbi, p&t.

I have bad photosensitivity and cognitive issues.  I know some people have gotten ratings for their eye issues.  I never did.  I did get a low 10% rating for headaches.  It should have been 30%.  But I'm 100% with SMC-S, so I'm fine with it.  Hit me up if you have any more questions.

[Top G]

El Train,

I am already receiving compensation for my TBI.  I'm looking for help with my torn retina and my Coronary Heart Disease.  Appreciate the info.  I don't know what SMC-S stands for.  Sorry....still the newb here.