Hiatal hernia is a medical condition where the upper part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, a large muscle that separates the abdomen and chest. This condition occurs when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm’s small opening called the hiatus. While small hiatal hernias may not cause significant issues, larger ones can lead to complications such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, trouble swallowing, chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and more. Leah Bucholz will guide us through the Hiatal Hernia C&P Exam so veterans can understand what to expect during the whole procedure.
Service Connection for Hiatal Hernia
Service connection for hiatal hernia can occur on a primary or secondary basis. If a veteran is diagnosed while on active duty and continues to experience issues post-service, it’s relatively straightforward to establish service connection. Additionally, hiatal hernia can be connected to service on a secondary basis if it is caused or worsened by another medical condition. Obesity is often linked to hiatal hernia, as excess weight can exert pressure on the abdomen, leading to the development or exacerbation of the hernia.
Causes and Diagnosis
According to the Mayo Clinic, hiatal hernia can be caused by age-related changes in the diaphragm, injuries to the area from surgeries, congenital factors, and constant and intense pressure on surrounding muscles due to factors like coughing, vomiting, straining during bowel movements, or lifting heavy objects. Diagnosis often involves an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a procedure where a scope is used to examine the area.
Ratings and Compensation
Understanding the rating system for hiatal hernia is crucial for veterans seeking compensation. The ratings are based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on health. For instance, a 60% rating may be assigned if symptoms include pain, vomiting material, weight loss, vomiting blood, or melena (blood in stool) with moderate anemia. A 30% rating may be given for persistently recurrent epigastric distress with other symptoms, while a 10% rating is for less severe symptoms.
Hiatal Hernia C&P Exam
Preliminary Information
Before diving into what happens during a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for hiatal hernia, veterans will receive a call or packet detailing the examination’s specifics. This includes information about the examiner, whether it’s a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and how long they have been conducting exams.
The DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire)
The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a crucial document used during the C&P exam. Veterans can find the specific DBQ for hiatal hernia on the official VA website. The first page of the DBQ includes personal details such as the veteran’s name and whether they are seen regularly in a clinic.
Diagnosis Section
In this section, the examiner records information about the veteran’s esophageal condition, including the date of diagnosis, diagnostic codes, additional relevant diagnoses, and details about the history and progression of the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
The examiner will delve into the veteran’s symptoms, asking about epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, reflux, regurgitation, pain (substernal, chest, arm, or shoulder), sleep disturbances, and the frequency and duration of each symptom. Questions about weight loss, nausea, vomiting, blood in stool, and anemia are also covered.
Diagnostic Testing
Details about diagnostic tests such as upper endoscopy (EGD), upper GI radiographs, biopsies, and lab tests are recorded in this section. The examiner will inquire about the dates and results of these tests.
Functional Impacts
The impact of hiatal hernia on the veteran’s ability to work is explored in this section. Functional limitations and how they affect daily life are crucial aspects of the assessment.
Comments and Signature
The examiner has the opportunity to add any pertinent comments, sign the document, and provide their contact information.
Conclusion
Understanding what to expect in a hiatal hernia C&P exam is essential for veterans seeking compensation. Being prepared with information about the condition’s history, symptoms, and functional impacts can help ensure a thorough evaluation. Veterans should feel empowered to discuss their experiences and seek assistance from accredited professionals if needed. The C&P exam is a crucial step in the process of obtaining the compensation deserved for service-connected hiatal hernia.
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