Question:

I have PTSD.  Someone told me to file because I also have a pacemaker  and a low heart rateplus PTSD causes some to get a pacemaker again.  I just found out this week. I had my pacemaker put in 3 years ago?  Should I put in for it?

Jim's Reply:

Secondary conditions are those diagnosed conditions that may be caused or contributed to by a service connected condition. The diagnosis of PTSD may cause or contribute to other conditions in some way but it's up to you, the claimant, to prove that.

For example, if you take medications for PTSD that are known to cause damage to the heart and require a pacemaker, you may have a well grounded claim. If your PTSD has caused OSA and that contributed to heart disease, you may have a well grounded claim. It's up to you to prove the connection.

You can file a claim for most anything that you wish with no penalty other than your time spent doing the paperwork. But before you file the claim, think of how you will prove that your need for a pacemaker was caused by your rated PTSD condition. You'll need a doctor to agree with you and put that in writing. If you can prove your case, by all means...file the claim.