Question:
Jim, I'm a 30 year veteran and on the VA agent orange register. I have been diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (I have never smoked) and filed a VA claim but it was denied. I had a heart cath showing a 20% blockage, echocardiogram showing diastolic dysfunction, dilated left atrium, aortic regurgitation and 60% ejection fraction. Currently taking blood thinner, blood pressure and cholesterol medication. Have not had a MET test but have shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and chest tightness. Recently had an attack and ER doctor diagnosed it as TIA. I thought CAD was same as IHD and considered a presumptive condition with Agent Orange exposure but claim was denied. I know I can appeal but I do not have any new information. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Jim's Reply:
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the term used by VA to label what most would call coronary artery disease or CAD. CAD is the buildup of plaque or fatty deposits inside an artery that supplies the heart with fresh blood and clogs it up reducing blood flow. The VA assesses the harm this causes by measuring the ejection fraction (EF) or cardiac METs...and equivalent way to measure heart function. Your ejection fraction of 60% indicates that the pumping chamber of your heart is normal. The other conditions, aortic regurgitation, TIA and so on are not associated with the mild CAD you have and aren't likely to be rated on appeal. You may want to ask for a METs test and then file again.