I retired almost two years ago this month. Six weeks ago I suffered a heart attack. So, I suffered the heart attack long after separation, and there was no sign of heart disease while I was active duty (slightly elevated cholesterol, but that was it). However, having a heart attack at age 42 and just a few weeks short of two years after retirement....ya think "service related" might come into play for additional disability?

Damn! You betcha and you need to stop over at the VA hospital in Tucson and have them take a looksee.

Gee, you might even get one of them blue tickets to hang on yer mirror for them great parkin spots.....

Go and check it out, I bet you will get the word it is service connected.

I did. They're not going to give me any disability because of the heart attack....I guess it's my own damn fault, I recovered almost completely and fairly quickly. Cardiologist says, except for a small amount of scar tissue, my heart acts and looks as if I didn't have an heart attack at all. Damn the the luck!

However, I did have slightly high cholesterol when I was discharged, so my cholesterol management and medication are all covered by the VA (covered by TriCare as well, so no great big hairy deal there). And, BTW, my cholesterol has dropped 30 points, woo-hoo! BUT, they did say, that because I had the existing cholesterol issues, that if my condition worsens, I would be eligible for disability (in other words, they gave me the old "0%" disability).

Bud, you need to count yourself lucky. Having 0% disability means to me that you'll have a longer life.

quote:

Bud, you need to count yourself lucky. Having 0% disability means to me that you'll have a longer life.

I'd rather have the cash! I know, I'm lucky as hell. I have a bunch of "0%" disabilities now, so I really am in pretty good shape. I get 10% for tinnitus/hearing loss, and that's it.

Yes Sir, your heart attack is Service Related. Due to lifestyle and stress.