Have You Received A Denial Of A Veteran Disability Claim For Heart Disease?
Dealing with a denial of a veteran disability claim for heart disease can leave you incredibly frustrated. Having a VA disability lawyer on your side can help you navigate your claim and seek the assistance in paying for medical care that you deserve.
The VA may deny a disability claim related to heart disease for various reasons. You may face a denial if you cannot show a link between your service and your disability, or if you did not show signs of heart disease or receive a formal diagnosis while on active duty. An experienced VA disability attorney can help you learn how to appeal and seek benefits for your heart disease expenses.
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How Does The VA Rate Heart Disease?
VA disability ratings assign a level of disability based on the symptoms you have at specific levels of exertion. To rate heart disease, the VA will check METs, or metabolic equivalents, for certain exercises and determine what symptoms you have at those levels of exertion. Do you experience shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting? At what level of exertion do these symptoms occur?
For example, climbing a flight of stairs (5-7 METs) causing shortness of breath and chest pain may result in a 10% disability rating. Symptoms with lighter exertion could lead to a 30%-60% rating. Symptoms of heart failure may result in a 60% rating. Chronic congestive heart failure or symptoms interfering with daily living, like walking or eating, may result in a 100% rating.
Common Causes Of Service-Related Heart Disease
Service-related heart disease can occur for a variety of reasons.
Direct Service Causes
Some heart disease causes are a direct result of military service. Specific events or exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards known to cause heart disease may allow a service-connected disability.
Presumptive Service Causes
In some cases, heart disease may occur for presumed reasons. Serving in specific areas or during certain times may lead the VA to assume exposure to hazards that increase heart disease risk. For example, veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam are at higher risk for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and other heart conditions.
Secondary Service Connections
Heart disease may also develop from other conditions suffered during service. Veterans with diabetes or PTSD may have increased risk. Medications for service-connected conditions could aggravate heart disease, allowing the VA to establish service connection by aggravation.
How Is Service Connection Established For Heart Disease?
To establish service connection, the VA considers several factors:
- Were you still serving when diagnosed? Diagnosis during active duty provides a strong connection.
- Did something in service, including chemical exposure, increase your heart disease risk? For example, presumed exposure to Agent Orange for Vietnam veterans.
- Did you take medication for a service-connected condition that increased heart disease risk or aggravated the condition?
- Did you have a service-connected condition, such as diabetes or PTSD, that could increase heart disease risk?
Many claims are denied because veterans cannot prove service connection. An experienced VA lawyer can help establish evidence and assist with appeals. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If stents are required due to military service, they could qualify a veteran for VA disability benefits.
Ischemic heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, occurs when plaque buildup limits blood flow. Diagnoses covered under VA presumptive service connection include myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary spasm, bypass surgery, and stable, unstable, or Prinzmetal’s angina.
Many heart conditions qualify if service-related. Common conditions include:
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- Chronic heart failure
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- Ischemic heart disease
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- Recurrent arrhythmias
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- Peripheral arterial disease
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- Hypertensive heart disease
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- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
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- Atrioventricular block
Contact A VA Disability Lawyer Today
A VA Disability Lawyer assists throughout the appeals process if you’ve been denied benefits for service-connected heart disease. Generally, at least one denial is needed before an attorney can assist, but once involved, they can quickly determine what is needed to prove service connection and establish the proper rating.
If your VA disability claim for heart disease has been denied, contact the VA physical condition claim attorneys at VetLaw to secure the entitlement you deserve.
