Question:
Can a Vietnam combat veteran file a claim after having an ischemic stroke? I was treated at a VA medical center.
Jim's Reply:
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is presumptive to agent orange exposure in the Vietnam veteran. Carotid Artery Disease, the source of most ischemic strokes, is somehow bizarrely not connected even though the etiology of these 2 conditions is exactly the same. You can file the claim but unless you have a corroborating IMO when you file the claim, it's very likely it will be denied. If you have a corroborating IMO your chances of winning the claim are pretty good. Read more about how to obtain an IMO here