Question:

I first made a VA claim for sleep apnea, heart disease, hypertension and renal failure. All the claims were denied and I appealed the sleep apnea and also a deviated septum. I was finally able to get my medical records where I was able to prove surgery for deviated septum. I was granted my sleep apnea and deviated septum after my 26 month appeal. Now that I have a rating for sleep apnea and have been issued a CPAP by the VA, what steps should I take to claim the heart disease (2 stents during my original claim), hypertension, and renal failure. My total current disability rating is 80%.

Jim's Reply:

If you wish to appeal denied claims, I almost always suggest that you retain a veterans law attorney to guide you. Veterans law attorneys who are accredited by VA to represent veterans during appeals don't charge any money up front, rather they will operate on a contingency fee basis and if you don't prevail, you owe nothing. Click here for more information.