Hemochromatosis as a VA disability?

[Sallan57]

Back in the late 80s early 90s when I was 30-35 I would try to donate at our employers Blood Bank and would be turned away as being anemic (low iron). In 2000 on a fluke job change physical, at Kaiser Permanete in San Diego, Dr. Vincent Felitti a renowned physician and hemochromitosis expert at the time, just so happened to randomly screen my blood for feritin (iron) levels and was diagnosed with hemochromitosis. For about 15 yrs I did quarterly phebotomies. Now 8 yrs later my VA oncologist says my bloodwork shows feritin, thus my hemochromatosis, is under control. My best friend never knew he had it until he was 50 and needed a hear, liver and kidney, transplants. He died less than a year later on the waiting list. I know of no other way a person can contract the condition other than genetic?

I note from previous discussions on articles from various sites that the VA has disability ratings for hemochromatosis. My question is: how can a veteran claim hemochromatosis as service connected? Seems impossible to claim as a secondary condition also. I did read where certain solvents and/or chemicals may cause hemochromatosis? Depending on certain factors its considered a social security disability. Does anybody have a reference as to why hemochromatosis is considered a VA disability? Thank you

[pacmanx1]

Welcome to Hadit.com

I am not suggesting, promoting or recommending any legal firm but here is some information. 

Hemochromatosis VA disability rating

Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes the body to store too much iron. This excess iron can then damage organs, including the liver. The only way to treat hemochromatosis is to remove blood (and, therefore, iron) from the body regularly.

The VA also rates hemochromatosis with diagnostic code 7345 in the Schedule of Ratings for the Digestive System. It can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100%, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms. 

VA Disability Ratings for Liver Diseases Like Fatty Liver, Cirrhosis, and Hepatitis (woodslawyers.com)

Edited November 6, 2023 by pacmanx1

[Tbird]

Here's a link to BVA cases with Hemochromatosis in the decision. Sometimes it's good to read the grants and the denials to better articulate your claims.