Increased Rating?

Question:

Jim, I am at 60% disability for Agent Orange Ischemic Heart Disease. I have now been diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome and am scheduled to have a pacemaker implant in a short while. Should I submit a claim for an increased rating due to the pacemaker or would I be wasting my time? Thanks much.

 

Jim's Reply:

Yes, you should file for an increase in your rating by claiming the SSS as secondary to the IHD. You'll need to be sure that your cardiologist who is responsible for implanting and maintaining the pacemaker writes a note to that effect in your records. Once that's done, you should be good to go.