Jim,
In December I experienced a heart attack and then underwent a heart/cath procedure. Stints were required and estimated 99% blockage found . A few days late an old friend told me of the VA and IHD. I was shocked and still am. Having trouble getting my head around AO and the heart problem. But I did file my claim. I have never smoked and the last time I had a beer was probably 30 years ago. My weight has always been good and I have been active. So , I don’t fit any obvious profile. I served with the 3rd Marine Div. from November 10 , 1967 to July 1969 in Viet Nam . Can you take a shot at some of my questions ?
1) I forwarded the hospital records and honestly don’t understand a word. The VA site actually uses the expression plugged arteries ( I think ) . Can the technical language of the hospital report be used to deny the claim ? I probably sound crazy . But I don’t understand any of it…….
2) At some point I imagine the VA will call me for an examine , since I have had a corrective and life saving procedure , could they deny the claim ?
3) I have hospital expense due the hospitalization , will the VA pay those ?
4) Does this type of claim get any priority in handling ?
5) How disabling does the VA consider these problems ?
6) I am not sure how to approach the exam when it finally comes.
thanks Jim
Reply:
All good questions sir.
(1) The language is confusing. Don't sweat it. VA will figure it out. You have Ischemic Heart Disease no matter what the term is.
(2) No. You have the IHD condition. You aren't "cured" by what you had done, you have been treated.
(3) Probably not if your procedures were done at a civilian hospital. There are some variables in there though...but VA paying is unlikely.
(4) Yes...in a way. VA does try to get these ahead of the line. The bad news is that all the lines are so long with similar claims you may be months away from any conclusion. I tell folks to give it at least
one year. Maybe more but a one year minimum.
(5) Just like any other condition...it depends on how disabled you are. You can have heart disease and be very healthy. In that case you may rate 10% or even 0% disabled. You could also be so sick you can't get out of bed...that will bring a 100% rating. There are tests (echocardiogram, stress tests) that measure the basic function of your heart. Much of the rating can depend on those sorts of tests.
(6) Approach it as you would anything else. It's nothing to worry about. There is a page on my web site about the C & P exam. http://www.vawatchdogtoday.org/C___P_Exams.html Read up now so you will understand more about it.