Don’t miss out on these tips for fighting Veteran hypertension!
A 2008 study showed that 13% of the active military had hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure is considered one of the prevalent illnesses among the military and veterans. Armed Forces of the United States (U.S.) are confronted with various risks, threats, and challenges. Their duties include military responsibilities to protect national interests, defend the Nation, and serve the people. Most of the active-duty military personnel and even veterans face health risks that may lead to life-threatening situations. We have 5 tips for how to combat Veteran hypertension after deployment.
With this, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs grants disability benefits, which includes military personnel who developed hypertension during or after the military service. To access the V.A. disability claim, the most important thing to remember is to establish that hypertension as service-related illness.
Veterans can avail of the V.A. disability benefits for hypertension. The highest rating for service-connected hypertension can reach up to $1,113.86 per month. Medical records are vital requirements that show the degree of disability; thus, substantiate a claim.
Veterans Affairs’ defines hypertension
Veterans Affairs (VA) defines hypertension or high blood pressure when the reading of the diastolic blood pressure reaches 90mm or more senior. If the blood pressure reading result shows that the systolic blood pressure is 160mm or higher and diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm, it means that this is isolated systolic hypertension.
For VA claims purposes, the initial diagnosis of hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken in two (2) or more times on at least three different days. Existing medical records may also contain blood pressure measurements or schedule a blood pressure measurement by visiting a government or private hospital.
As of December 2018, veterans claiming benefits for hypertension may receive a disability rating of 10% with monthly compensation of $140.05, while a disability rating of 20% may receive 276.84 per month.
The application process for the V.A. disability claim takes an average of 95 days to decide the validity of the submitted request. Despite conformity to the qualifications and requirements, still some applications are denied.
Proving service connection for hypertension
If you would like to win a VA claim, the next step is to ensure a clear link between your hypertension with injury, event, or illness developed as a military. This is known as the nexus.
A comprehensive medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, and any other relevant health details can influence the VA rater’s decision. Medical professionals’ opinion is vital in the VA claims process that may prove how high blood pressure affects job performance.
If you received a diagnosis for hypertension within a year of release from active duty, then the VA can presume that this is service-connected. However, if diagnosed with hypertension after the one-year mark, then a medical opinion is a piece of strong evidence to convince the V.A.
What is the VA rating and compensation for hypertension?
Veterans who want to apply for a hypertension disability claim should understand the guidelines and the rating schedule. Moreover, the VA assigns a disability rating for your hypertension compensation based on the severity.
The rating starts from 0 to 60 percent (10-percent increment), wherein zero still entitles you with other health care benefits.
Diastolic pressure Rating Compensation
130 or higher 60% $1,113.86 per month
120-129 40% $671.73 per month
110-119 20% $276.84 per month
100-109 10% $140.05 per month
Systolic pressure Rating Compensation
200 or higher 20% $276.84 per month
160-199 10% $140.05 per month
How to get the highest compensation for hypertension?
The VA gives the “benefit of the doubt” and assigns the highest disability rating based on the test results from multiple sets of blood pressure readings within the same month.
On the other hand, the Veteran receives a rating equivalent to the first set of blood pressure levels. A staged rating is granted effective from the date of the second round of tests if the second set of blood tests results in higher blood pressure levels.
The VA disability questionnaire
The attending doctor will complete the Hypertension Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that can be downloaded here. A DBQ is a downloadable form—a questionnaire that veterans can utilize for the disability evaluation process.
Veterans can either visit a V.A. facility or a private physician to complete the evaluation form. Then, you will submit it to either of the following:
Mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Po Box 4444
Janesville, Wi 53547-4444
Fax to Department of Veterans Affairs
Toll Free Numbers: 248-524-4260 & 844-531-7818 (for Foreign Claimants only)
Can a veteran be compensated for PTSD and Hypertension?
In the military, being assigned to missions may involve horrid and dangerous experiences that may lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may be triggered after someone experienced or witnessed a stressing, traumatic, life-threatening, or terrifying event.
In the late 1980s, a study conducted by the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment revealed that 15% of Vietnam Veterans had PTSD. About 30% of Vietnam Veterans have experienced PTSD in their lifetime.
Veterans with service-connected PTSD may also suffer from secondary medical conditions like hypertension. High blood pressure might cause complications such as kidney and heart disease, vision loss, and stroke if left untreated.
American Heart Association cites that the severely injured U.S. military during the Afghanistan war has a high risk of suffering from hypertension. Also, research shows that American soldiers with PTSD were up to 85 percent more likely to develop Hypertension than those without PTSD.
The VA considers high blood pressure as a secondary condition that may qualify for disability benefits.
To file a VA claim, the Veteran should get complete documentation of the hypertension diagnosis and submit the DBQ completely accomplished by a licensed physician.
Want to get this process done correctly the first time? We want to ensure that you get the VA disability rating and compensation you deserve. Coaching you through filing your claim and getting relevant medical evidence is our specialty. The link to get access to $7,500+ worth of information IMMEDIATELY is here!
About the Author
About VA Claims Insider
VA Claims Insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.
