Question:
I am a Vietnam veteran and have been diagnosed since my first cardiac exam in 2016 with a low left ejection factor of 45%. My family has no history of heart problems. I have had multiple test over the past years that document this, Stress Echo, Radionuclide Imaging, Left Ventriculogram, Coronary Angiogram, etc. The doctor’s report states 20-30% luminal irruguarities. However, in his report he concludes:
1. Non obstructive coronary heart disease, and
2. Nonischemic cardiomyopathy with anteroapical dyskinesia and ejection fraction 40-45%.
Would this be a presumptive heart issue for agent orange exposure that would be covered by the Veterans Administration?
Jim's Reply:
Yes, this is an agent orange presumptive condition and yes, you should file a claim today. The effective date of your claim will be when you file it so don't delay. You can start by filing an Intent To File form and that will lock in the effective date.
You have coronary artery disease. the VA calls that Ischemic Heart Disease or IHD. You have a low ejection fraction and the EF is where VA rates you.
You obviously have a conflict when we look at the verbiage your doctor used. That he calls it "nonobstructive coronary heart disease" is an opinion open to debate. (I'm a retired cardiovascular health care professional and know a bit about this topic.)
You may want to consider an IMO by a disability professional to ensure that the verbiage in the record isn't going to cause a denial. In any case, do file a claim and pursue it because your heart disease is likely to continue to get worse and you'll want the benefits.