Question:
If you have a external cardioverter defbrilator (due to recent stent placement, implantable cardioverter defbrilator surgery cannot be done for another 6 weeks) do you still qualify for 100% disability? (Current rating of 90%) Thank you.
Jim's Reply:
The Vietnam veteran who has a rating for IHD and subsequently requires an Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (AICD) is eligible for 100% disability for the AICD in addition to other current ratings. This is important as it may elevate the overall rating to an SMC housebound level.There is no distinction I'm aware of between the external temporary device or the internally implanted device. File for the benefit asap, argue effective dates for different devices later.