Question:

Hi, Jim, Being a Nam Vet and IU at the 100% rate since 2002, Why would , should I file a AO hypertension claim?  I understand your logic , but the VA in all of there infinite wisdom could open my whole file and allow them too nit pick one of my disabilities and actually try to lower my 100% .and put me through the hell of fighting them. Thanks.

Jim's Reply:

Your rating is well protected due to the length of time you've been 100% so no worries there. As I said earlier, if you're rated for hypertension and another condition secondary to the rated hypertension occurs, that is potentially rated too. If you're catastrophically ill from a condition secondary to hypertension, (say from a heart attack) your overall monthly payment could rise to help you through a severe illness. If you didn't have the hypertension rating, you could be denied additional benefits just when you need them the most. I agree it's a bit of fuss for what may not be much of a benefit, if any at all. But for the time it takes to file the claim, it's looking like it may be worth it.