Posted on May 20, 2020
Why can’t the VA rely on these records to prove PTSD is likely to cause heart attacks and hypertension?
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Howard Foy (my husband of 39 years) died in Sep 2019. He was 100% permanent PTSD. His death certificate states heart attack and hypertension were the causes of death. Because PTSD is not a cause of death, the VA denied my DIC claim stating his death was not service connected. I have had to hire a lawyer to appeal the decision.
Since the VA has more medical and mental records of people suffering from PTSD and the health conditions caused by it, I find it stunning the VA cannot use these resources to show the link of PTSD to heart disease and hypertension. The VA even publishes quarterly newsletters discussing the medical conditions caused by PTSD and has studied the link since 1993. The newsletters should be considered as substantial evidence proving PTSD causes heart attacks and hypertension.
My question is: Why can’t the VA rely on these records to prove PTSD is likely to cause heart attacks and hypertension?
Since the VA has more medical and mental records of people suffering from PTSD and the health conditions caused by it, I find it stunning the VA cannot use these resources to show the link of PTSD to heart disease and hypertension. The VA even publishes quarterly newsletters discussing the medical conditions caused by PTSD and has studied the link since 1993. The newsletters should be considered as substantial evidence proving PTSD causes heart attacks and hypertension.
My question is: Why can’t the VA rely on these records to prove PTSD is likely to cause heart attacks and hypertension?
PTSD
VA Claim
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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As someone who does these ratings, there is a very specific thing we are looking for and it is on the Death Certificate. The cause of death on there is gospel. If hypertension for example is the primary COD, we are looking for a secondary that states PTSD or associated mental disorders (Depression, Anxiety, etc) Without that, your appeal will not succeed.
Your best alternative if the DC is complete and can't be amended is documentation from his physician that his hypertension was partially or fully caused by his psychological distress.
Message me directly and I can go deeper in the weeds with you.
Your best alternative if the DC is complete and can't be amended is documentation from his physician that his hypertension was partially or fully caused by his psychological distress.
Message me directly and I can go deeper in the weeds with you.
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The VA only follows it's own guidelines on certain issues. My condolences on your loss.
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