Heart failure possible muscular dystrophy

Strangert

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PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
So I’ve been in heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction that has varied between from 35% to 44%. However, they can’t find anything wrong with my heart. I have had several episodes of syncope.
I went and saw a rheumatologist and he thinks I may have muscular dystrophy which is genetic. Is this going to hurt my VA rating? Thanks!
 
I don’t know the answer to your question but there are genetic tests available through Invitae. I have some weird neurological symptoms and have been going through Invitae because the VA Only wants to do a few genetic tests at a time.

There are genes that can cause both muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy both, one gene is LDB3, another is PLEC
 
Genetic conditions are considered has having Existed Prior to Service (EPTS). Therefore they are not SERVICE CONNECTED. Unless they were AGGRAVATED BY SERVICE.

But, I would not jump he gun to EPTS. Idiopathic heart failure happens. Idiopathic is fancy word for the doc doesn't know what caused the condition. It is not uncommon. So worrying about EPTS is way premature. How many years of AD do you have?

Where are you at physically? What types of docs have you seen? There is a military heart failure program at San Antonion Military Medical Center. Can you get a medical TDY there for a work up? There are many things that can contribute to heart failure a complete work up can take 3 or more invasive procedures.

The good news is many people with the correct interventions and medications get much better.
 
I’ve been in for 19 years and have a retirement date of 1 Feb. It all started with syncope issues, I passed out like 4 times in a weekend. I’ve been hospitalized three times for syncope and shortness of breath. I’ve had two cardia MRIs and a heart catheter. They can’t find anything wrong with my heart but this all just started a year ago. My LVEF was 57% three years ago after have an episode of chest pain.
 
I forgot about medial TDY, Charlie is right you can get medical tdy. I did so and went to Walter Reed, they didn’t diagnose me but I was able to get tdy, And a hotel room. I didn’t get. A rental because I drove there.
 
I’ve been seeing local cardiologist and rheumatologist. However, I have a referral to go to Medical University of South Carolina and have an appointment on 1 June. I go back to the rheumatologist in May. He took blood and ordered xrays. I really how they don’t tie my cardiomyopathy to muscular dystrophy and take away from my VA disability. With my current ejection fraction I’m already at 60%.
 
I’ve been in for 19 years and have a retirement date of 1 Feb. It all started with syncope issues, I passed out like 4 times in a weekend. I’ve been hospitalized three times for syncope and shortness of breath. I’ve had two cardia MRIs and a heart catheter. They can’t find anything wrong with my heart but this all just started a year ago. My LVEF was 57% three years ago after have an episode of chest pain.
Since you are over 8 years of AD service, EPTS is not applicable. I have walked the road you are on. Have you seen a HF sub-specialist?
 
I have seen a cardiologist, had a heart catheter, and saw a electrophysiologist. They’ve put me on Entresto and Metoprolol.

Do you know what % muscular dystrophy is? I can’t find it in the VSARD.
 
Conditions that are not in the VASRD are rated “analogously” with a condition that is in the VASRD. “Analogous” in this case means the condition that is closest to the overall condition, that best describes the main symptoms, or that has the same treatments. I think it will be rated under 8023. @gsfowler would know for sure.
 
So I have a retirement date of 1 Feb; however, I haven’t been officially diagnosed with anything specific yet. Should I cancel my retirement if they don’t haven’t figured out before I start terminal? Thanks!
 
I was diagnosed today with
Polymyositis an inflammatory condition of the muscles. 77% of the people with this condition are in heart failure which I am. I can’t find this in the VSARD. Anybody else have this or been rated for it?
 
 
Thank you for the article. I have pain everywhere and am in heart failure. Additionally I have Ménière’s disease and migraines which I receive Botox for.
 
Thank you for the article. I have pain everywhere and am in heart failure. Additionally I have Ménière’s disease and migraines which I receive Botox for.
What stage are you at? You really need the MEB to state that menieres doesn’t meet retention standards in order to get the PEB later to state that menieres is an unfitting condition. If the MEB doesn’t say it first it’s very difficult to get it added later as unfitting.
 
They’re not pursuing an MEB since I have an approved retirement date. The Dr put me on convelecent leave for 5 weeks because he’s worried if I caught covid I wouldn’t make it.
 
That’s great that you have an approved retirement. Take care of yourself. I’m sorry to hear about the heart failure, my dad had heart failure for a few years before he passed away. I hope you can get help.
 
My LVEF was 32% two months ago and after meds is up to 44%. Let’s hope the meds keep working. If not I purchased plenty of life insurance to take care of my wife and kids.
 
So my retirement date was disapproved do to a clerical error. AFPC enough said. So my question is should I reapply for retirement or just ride it out until they MEB? I guess my question is there any benifet going through an MEB. I hit 20 in December. Thanks!
 
Any thoughts? I’m just wondering if there are any benifts to go thru a MEB vs regulate retirement financially and benefits wise. Any advise would be appreciated.
 
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