VA DISABILITY FOR HEART DISEASE
The most common chronic health condition in the United States is cardiovascular heart disease which is also the leading cause of death for Americans. Cardiovascular refers to the body's heart and blood vessel system. "Heart disease" is a common phrase for various conditions that affect the heart's structure and function and is often used interchangeably with "cardiovascular disease." Cardiovascular or heart disease contributes to over 30% of all American deaths annually. Almost a third of men and women in America have at least one cardiovascular condition, and for the older population above the age of 60, that grows to half. Active duty service personnel are more likely to have a higher level of physical fitness and are less overweight than civilians. However, later in life, studies show veterans have a lower level of physical fitness, and are more likely to develop cardiovascular heart disease conditions than do non-veterans. VA disability for heart disease is a common claim among veterans.
Getting approval from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for military service-connected illnesses, including a heart disease disability, is challenging. The system for filing a VA claim is complex and time consuming (usually 6-12 months). The VA makes it difficult to prove an illness is service-related and requires evidence that may be near impossible to obtain. The VA's system for compensation is based on how serious the physical disability is regarding current or future employment by the veteran. Rated in percentages, the higher the rating, the greater the compensation. Getting the highest rating a veteran deserves may call for the services of an accredited VA law firm such as Wettermark Keith. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience needed to assist with filing a veteran's disability claim or appeal for denied benefits.
VETERANS AND HEART DISEASE
While in active duty service, military personnel are usually in good physical shape and less overweight than civilians. However, once these men and women leave military service, they tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than non-veterans and have more cardiovascular conditions as well. Often, this shift in health is due to changes in diet, changes in exercise and leisure time, weight gain, and higher rates of smoking, drinking, and mental illness among veterans. There may also be a connection between the decline in health with a veterans time spent in military service. Health conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke are the leading causes of heart failure and hospitalization of veterans in the VA healthcare system.
HEART DISEASE VETERANS DISABILITY SOLUTIONS
FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Veterans can qualify and receive monthly compensation from the VA if they prove a connection between their stint in the military and their heart condition. To be considered for a disability, veterans must file an application including medical information, with the VA. If approved, veterans receive monetary benefits based on a VA disability rating for their heart condition. If denied, they will probably need aid from a VA disability law firm such as Wettermark Keith to help with the appeal process.
Several heart conditions qualify as a VA disability. The VA can pay disability benefits for heart disease in vets if a claim is filed and approved by the VA. Some covered heart conditions recognized for VA disability benefits are:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Heart Attack
- Coronary Bypass Surgery
- Stroke
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
These diseases can limit veterans' activities and employment opportunities after they leave the military. Only a disability-qualifying heart condition allows veterans to receive VA benefits and compensation. Wettermark Keith lawyers can discuss a veteran's health issues to help determine if there is the possibility of qualifying for aid from the VA. Speaking with a lawyer is especially important if a veteran has been denied benefits and wants to appeal the VA ruling.
Wettermark Keith lawyers understand the VA process for getting disability compensation and filing an appeal for a rejected initial VA claim. Our lawyers have years of experience dealing with the VA, the claim process for VA disability benefits, and appeals for denial. We can go to work helping prepare you for the VA application process and explain what to expect with a veteran disability claim.
Contact our legal team and get started with your veterans disability benefits claim by scheduling a free consultation. We can discuss your situation and answer your questions. Our office operates on a no-fee guarantee basis, so if we can't help you get the VA compensation you deserve, your won't pay us anything.
Contact Wettermark Keith by phone or email today at: https://wkfirm.com/denied-va-disability-benefits/
CAN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE BE SERVICE CONNECTED?
Veterans must establish a service connection to receive VA disability benefits, which only apply to certain heart conditions. This service can be either a direct or a presumptive service connection.
Direct Service Connection:
- Currently, there is a diagnosed heart condition.
- An in-service event or illness caused the onset of heart condition symptoms.
- There is a medical link between the heart condition diagnosis and the in-service event or illness.
Secondary Service Connection:
- This is a condition caused or worsened by a direct service-connected condition.
- For example, service-connected heart disease may be aggravated by a secondary connection of diabetes or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Presumptive Service Connection:
- A qualifying service record, indicating exposure to harmful chemicals like Agent Orange or a hazardous environment within a specific area and time frame, can lead to a presumptive service connection by the VA. This presumption applies to certain conditions, such as Coronary Heart Disease, also referred to as Coronary Artery Disease, and Ischemic Heart Disease.
- For example, if you served in Vietnam between January 1962 and May 1975 and were later diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, the VA may presume that your condition is connected to your service during that time and place.
HOW THE VA RATES HEART CONDITIONS
The VA rates heart conditions using metabolic equivalent tests (METs) to determine a percentage rating for heart disease. Exercise testing is conducted to measure the amount of energy expended on ordinary activities, which helps determine the severity of the condition. Based on these tests, the VA assigns a disability rating of 0, 10, 30, 60, or 100 percent.
Total Disability Ratings
Total disability ratings, including Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), are given for heart conditions so severe that they prevent veterans from performing basic everyday tasks and gaining employment. Veterans must specifically file an application to receive TDIU. However, if a veteran has not filed for TDIU but has sought an increase in their service-connected conditions and that request was denied within the last year, they should contact us. We can help appeal that denial to potentially maximize the effective date for TDIU, integrating it into their claim for an increase.
Temporary Total Disability Ratings
For certain situations, such as heart attacks, pacemaker operations, implantation of a cardiac defibrillator, heart valve replacement, heart transplant, and coronary bypass surgery, the VA may assign a temporary total disability rating. Veterans do not need to file separately for these temporary ratings, as the VA automatically reviews and assigns them based on medical records and the severity of the condition. After the temporary period (usually 1 to 3 months), the VA will reexamine the symptoms and assign a new disability rating based on the veteran's current health status.
Partial Disability Ratings
Partial disability ratings range from 0 to 100% and may be assigned after a veteran's health improves following a cardiovascular event or for less severe heart conditions, such as high blood pressure. Veterans do not need to file separately for these ratings; the VA assigns them based on medical evidence provided during initial or follow-up evaluations.
Understanding the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) and navigating the claims process can be challenging. For guidance, contact the law offices of Wettermark Keith. We are here to assist you through the complexities of the process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
WHAT IS THE VA DISABILITY RATING FOR HYPERTENSIVE HEART DISEASE?
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or less. The top number measures systolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number measures diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries between beats. If the top or bottom numbers are significantly higher, a person is hypertensive. The VA disability rating for a hypertensive person is determined based on diastolic and systolic pressures:
- 10% - diastolic usually 100 or more or systolic usually 160 or more or history of diastolic usually 100 or more and requires continuous medication for control of blood pressure
- 20% - diastolic usually 110 or more or systolic usually 200 or more
- 40% - diastolic usually 120 or more
- 60% - diastolic usually 130 or more
High blood pressure can be serious if left uncontrolled and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, kidney damage, and heart failure.
WHO CAN HELP A VETERAN WITH A HEART DISEASE DISABILITY CLAIM?
Wettermark Keith lawyers understand the VA process for getting disability compensation and filing an appeal for a rejected initial VA claim. Our lawyers have years of experience dealing with the VA, the claim process for VA disability benefits, and appeals for denial. We specialize in assisting veterans with the appeals process for denied claims. We can help prepare you for the VA appeals process and explain what to expect with a veteran disability claim.
Contact our legal team and get started with your veterans disability benefits claim by scheduling a free consultation. We can discuss your situation and answer your questions. Our office operates on a no-fee guarantee basis, so if we can't help you get the VA compensation you deserve, you won't pay us anything.
Contact Wettermark Keith by phone or email today at: https://wkfirm.com/denied-va-disability-benefits/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Heart Disease
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Crisis Line (24/7 - Confidential Crisis Support for veterans and their families)
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE
CONTACT HEART DISEASE VA DISABILITY LAWYERS
To learn more about our law firm, our services, how to access our veterans law resources, and more, contact us today.
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