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Obesity and Veterans Disability

Obesity and Veterans Disability

Obesity is a prevalent health concern that affects individuals across various demographics, including military veterans. Leah Bucholz explains the intricate relationship between obesity and veterans disability, drawing insights from experiences and expertise.

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Defining Obesity and Categories

Before delving into the connection between obesity and veterans disability, let’s establish a clear understanding of what obesity entails. The use of Body Mass Index (BMI) is a primary measure. Normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9, while overweight is classified between 25 and 29.9. Obesity is further divided into classes, with a BMI of 30 to 39.9 considered obese and anything over 40 classified as morbidly obese.

Obesity and Service Connection

At present, obesity is not generally service-connected. However, there are ongoing efforts by some veterans and their legal representatives to establish a direct connection. In certain cases, obesity serves as a bridge, medically speaking, to demonstrate a relationship between a service-connected disability and another condition.

There is a specific legal case, Walsh vs. Wilkie, which sheds light on the relationship between service-connected conditions and obesity. The case shows that when a service-connected condition aggravates obesity, the resulting obesity can be an intermediate step between the original service-connected condition and a new condition compensable by the VA as a secondary service-connected condition.

Understanding the Criteria

To establish a connection between obesity and service-connected disability, there are three criteria derived from the 38 Code of Federal Regulations:

  1. Causation: The service-connected disability must have caused the veteran to become obese.
  2. Substantial Factor: Obesity, as a result of the service-connected disability, must be a substantial factor in causing the potential secondary disability.
  3. No Other Cause: The potential secondary disability would not have occurred but for the obesity caused by the service-connected disability.

This criteria framework underscores the importance of demonstrating a clear link between the service-connected condition, obesity, and the subsequent disability.

Conditions Leading to Obesity

Several conditions frequently contribute to obesity among veterans:

  1. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety can lead to obesity through social phobias, compensatory eating habits, and changes in appetite.
  2. Orthopedic Ailments: Physical limitations caused by orthopedic issues, such as back pain or joint replacements, can hinder regular exercise and contribute to weight gain.
  3. Respiratory Conditions: Asthma and cardiovascular disorders like congestive heart failure can limit exercise tolerance and lead to obesity.
  4. Sleep Apnea: Sleep disorders, often connected to other service-connected disabilities, can contribute to weight gain.

Secondary Service-Connected Conditions

Certain conditions are frequently secondary service-connected to obesity:

  1. Hypertension: Obesity is often linked to high blood pressure, especially when other major risk factors are minimal.
  2. Diabetes: Some veterans receive service connection for diabetes due to its relation to mental health conditions like PTSD.
  3. Sleep Apnea: Sleep disorders, in conjunction with other service-connected disabilities, can result in sleep apnea.

Navigating the Complex Terrain

Understanding the intricate connection between obesity and veterans disability requires careful consideration of medical history and the specific criteria outlined by the VA. Veterans seeking service connection for conditions associated with obesity should collaborate with accredited representatives to navigate this complex terrain. Each case is unique, and a comprehensive review of medical charts, supported by relevant evidence, is crucial in establishing the link between service-connected conditions, obesity, and subsequent disabilities. By fostering awareness and dialogue on this issue, veterans can better advocate for their rights and access the disability benefits they deserve.

Also read: Ketamine Therapy for Veterans

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

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  • Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting Boerne, Texas 78006
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Danielle McClaskey

Client Relations Specialist U.S. Navy Veteran

In her active-duty service in the United States Navy, Danielle undertook a variety of responsibilities, ranging from essential administrative duties to providing crucial medical care. Her multifaceted contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing her fellow service members’ operational effectiveness and well-being.

As a disabled veteran, she developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by her fellow service members. Now, in her civilian role, Danielle is a valued member of the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team, where she continues to leverage her extensive background and educational achievements to provide exceptional support to veterans.

Leticia

LETICIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.