🎖️ VALOR

Unlocking the Full Potential of Permanent and Total VA Benefits for Veterans and Their Families 

Did you know that earning a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating unlocks a wealth of benefits beyond monthly compensation? From free healthcare for your dependents and waived property taxes in many states to free driver’s licenses, license plates, and even access to military base facilities, these benefits can make a significant difference in your life. 

In this video, our experts explain the critical importance of securing a permanent and total rating, how to access these life-changing benefits, and what steps to take if your rating doesn’t include permanent and total status. Don’t miss this essential guide to maximizing your VA benefits for you and your loved ones. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

Understanding VA Disability Benefits for Heart Conditions: What Veterans Need to Know 

Heart disease can profoundly impact a veteran’s quality of life, and the VA recognizes this by providing disability benefits for a wide range of heart-related conditions. Even if your specific condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify for benefits if it can be service-connected. Here’s what veterans need to know about the most common heart conditions recognized by the VA, how these conditions are rated, and steps to secure the benefits you deserve. 

Common Heart Conditions Recognized by the VA 

The VA acknowledges numerous heart conditions as potentially service-connected. Below are some of the most recognized conditions: 

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) 

Also known as ischemic heart disease, CAD involves the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Veterans with CAD may qualify for VA disability benefits based on the severity of their condition. 

Hypertension 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. The VA assigns ratings based on the severity and frequency of elevated blood pressure readings. 

Heart Arrhythmia 

This condition involves an irregular or rapid heart rate and can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. Conditions such as tachycardia, bradycardia, and sick sinus syndrome may qualify for VA benefits, especially if a pacemaker is required. 

Cardiomyopathy 

This condition affects the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure. Veterans with cardiomyopathy can receive benefits based on the impact of the condition on their daily lives. 

Congestive Heart Failure 

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup. Veterans may qualify for higher disability ratings depending on the severity of symptoms. 

Heart Surgery 

Veterans who have undergone procedures like valve replacements or bypass surgery may receive temporary 100% disability ratings during recovery periods. 

Other recognized conditions include aortic stenosis, heart murmurs, and inflammatory heart diseases like pericarditis and myocarditis. 

VA Presumptive Heart Conditions 

Certain heart conditions are presumed to be service-connected, simplifying the benefits process for eligible veterans. These include: 

• Ischemic heart disease 

• Hypertension 

• Heart murmurs 

• Cardiomyopathy 

• Aortic stenosis 

Veterans who served in specific locations or were exposed to hazards, such as Agent Orange, may automatically qualify for presumptive conditions. 

How the VA Rates Heart Disease 

The VA rates heart disease using the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (METs) scale, which measures the level of physical exertion that triggers symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue. Ratings range from 0% to 100% based on the severity of symptoms and functional limitations. 

Key Rating Levels 

• 100% Rating: Assigned for consistent congestive heart failure, METs score of 3 or less, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30%. 

• 60% Rating: Applies to veterans with two or more episodes of congestive heart failure in the past year, METs score of 4-5, or an ejection fraction of 30%-50%. 

• 30% Rating: For a METs score of 6-7, with symptoms occurring during moderate activities like brisk walking or cycling. 

• 10% Rating: Given for a METs score of 8-10, with symptoms triggered by strenuous activities such as jogging or tennis. 

Understanding how these ratings apply to your condition can help you present a stronger case to the VA. 

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for Heart Conditions 

Veterans whose heart conditions prevent them from maintaining gainful employment may qualify for TDIU, which provides compensation at the 100% disability rate regardless of their schedular rating. 

To secure TDIU, veterans need: 

• Medical Evidence: Records and statements from healthcare providers detailing the severity of the condition and its impact on employability. 

• Employment History: Documentation showing how the heart condition affected previous jobs or led to job loss. 

• Personal Statements: Descriptions from the veteran and their family or colleagues about how the condition limits daily activities and work capacity. 

Need Help with Your VA Claim? 

Navigating the VA disability claims process for heart conditions can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

If your claim was denied or your rating doesn’t reflect the severity of your condition, contact us for a free case evaluation. Let us fight to secure the benefits you’ve earned. Call us today at (855) 494-1298. 

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us today at 1400 hours EST for a new livestream with our legal team!

Join us to get your questions about VA disability law and the claims process answered by our legal team. Comments open 30 minutes prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

Were You Exposed to “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water Supply?

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances widely used in firefighting foams, water-resistant products, and industrial applications. These chemicals have been found in dangerously high concentrations in some water supplies, including on or near military bases. Learn if your military base was impacted using our Toxic Exposure Map.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health conditions, such as:

• Testicular Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Liver Cancer

If you or a loved one lived or worked in areas with PFAS contamination and have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may qualify for compensation.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

Veteran’s Success in Establishing Service Connection for PTSD and Securing TDIU 

Note: All identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. This case is based on examples from the BVA database.

A veteran who served on active duty from March 1982 to March 2006 sought service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, stemming from military sexual trauma (MST) and other traumatic events experienced during service. She also pursued entitlement to Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) based on her inability to maintain substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities. 

This case illustrates the importance of detailed evidence, medical opinions, and consistent testimony in achieving a favorable outcome for service connection and TDIU claims. 

The Outcome 

After a thorough review, the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) granted the veteran: 

• Service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. 

• TDIU based on her inability to work due to service-connected disabilities. 

Why Was This Decision Made? 

The favorable decision was based on several key factors: 

Credibility and Evidence of MST and Traumatic Events 

• Consistent Testimony: The veteran provided credible accounts of MST, sexual harassment, and traumatic combat-related experiences during her service, including being attacked, encountering hostile fire, and discovering the body of a friend who had died by suicide. 

• Behavioral Evidence: VA regulations allow corroboration of MST through behavioral changes. Evidence such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and hypervigilance following these incidents supported her claims. 

• Service Records Corroboration: While her service treatment records were silent on MST or psychiatric issues, her personnel records corroborated her service locations and duties, consistent with her reported experiences. 

Medical Opinions Supporting Service Connection 

• VA Examination Findings: A March 2020 VA examiner provided a positive nexus opinion, linking the veteran’s PTSD and other psychiatric conditions to her in-service MST and combat experiences. 

• Consistent Medical History: The veteran had been seeking treatment for PTSD and related conditions since 2007, demonstrating a clear and ongoing need for care. 

Criteria for TDIU 

• Occupational Impairments: The veteran’s service-connected disabilities, including her acquired psychiatric conditions, cervical and lumbar spine issues, and carpal tunnel syndrome, severely limited her ability to work. 

• Inability to Perform Job Duties: Her conditions caused issues with memory, concentration, and interacting with the public, as well as physical limitations like chronic pain and reduced mobility, making it impossible to maintain employment. 

• Social Security Records: SSA findings confirmed her inability to work since 2015, further bolstering her TDIU claim. 

Tips from the Legal Team 

This case demonstrates several critical strategies for veterans pursuing similar claims: 

• Detail the Impact of Trauma: Veterans claiming PTSD due to MST or other events should provide clear, consistent accounts of their experiences and the resulting impact on their lives. 

• Leverage Medical Evidence: Obtain thorough medical evaluations that provide a clear link between your service and current disabilities. 

• Address Employment Limitations: Document how your service-connected conditions affect your ability to work, including statements from employers or SSA findings if available. 

• Seek Support Early: If you have a history of treatment for your condition, ensure those records are part of your claim to establish continuity. 

If you believe your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working, let us help you build a compelling case. Contact us today for a free evaluation at (855) 494-1298.