Shortness of Breath. The VA released a post today proposing changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) that directly affect the respiratory, auditory, and mental disorders body systems. Patient Survey Star Ratings. You might describe it as not being able to get enough air (“air hunger”), chest tightness or working harder to breathe. Discomfort or pain in 1 or both arms, radiating to jaw or neck. . Acute dyspnea starts within a few minutes or hours. A veteran with this rating must be totally impaired due to symptoms, such as:. It’s often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness. - VHL HealthSheet #40217_VA; Chronic Lung Disease, Helping with Treatment: for Caregivers. Waxman, who directs the Pulmonary Vascular Disease. Patient Survey Star Ratings. Increased Ratings Disability ratings are determined by applying the criteria set forth in VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, which is based on the average impairment of earning capacity. In addition to shortness of breath, it can cause: Coughing; Tightness in the chest; Wheezing; To keep it under control, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan. The Schedule of Ratings calls for pleurisy to be rated under Ratings for inactive nonpulmonary tuberculosis either initially entitled after Aug. (83 KB, PDF)Both are chronic and usually worsen over time. Passed into law in August of 2022, the Honoring our PACT Act piece of VA legislation added hypertension to its list of diagnoses presumed to be caused by exposure to the tactical herbicide known as Agent Orange (AO), making eligibility for disability benefits much easier. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of R06. Another way to get a 30% VA rating for a heart condition is with a stress test. shortness of breath; sweating;In addition, the Veteran has submitted a statement from his employer, which indicates that the Veteran experiences shortness of breath, which causes fatigue. doi: 10. You may also need to prove that you require daily use of corticosteroids or other medications. The journey for veterans to secure an appropriate VA disability rating that accurately represents their health challenges, especially when it comes to complex interconnected conditions. Dyspnea, commonly referred to as shortness of breath, is the subjective sensation of uncomfortable breathing comprised of various sensations of varying intensity. The VA rates sinusitis at either 0%, 10%, 30% or 50%, depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms. It’s often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness. iStock-670532836. Whether we realize it or not, breathing not only brings oxygen into the lungs, but it. Shortness of breath is a very common cause of Emergency Department visits. See if you can get a VA disability rating today. 97, Schedule of Ratings – Respiratory System. § 4. 4. Toll Free. ); and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University. Shortness of breath; Chest pain; Hoarseness; Unexplained weight loss; Bone pain;. Sometimes the feeling is worse when you are physically active or when you lie down flat. Shortness of breath on exposure to allergens or provoking agents. 5 = very, very slight shortness of breath; 1 = very mild shortness of breath; 2 = mild shortness of breath; 3 = moderate shortness of breath or breathing difficulty; 4 = somewhat severe shortness of breath; 5 = strong or hard breathing; 6“I feel people usually get [i. He also got shortness of breath when exposed to gasoline, diesel, or paint thinner vapor. This is a subreddit for news, sites, information and events that may interest veterans. This strains the lungs and heart and can lead to serious problems. During the other VA examination in March 1992 (of the trachea and bronchi), it was noted that the veteran had shortness of breath on even a moderate amount of exertion and that, reportedly, about one year earlier, he had to give up a job because of this problem. Also, keep in mind that some infections only qualify veterans for a TEMPORARY 100% rating while the infection is active. 30 percent rating. This affects patients with large and progressive curves (over 70 degrees) that compress the lungs. The higher the METs rating, the more efficient your heart is, the lower your disability rating is going to be. Difficulty breathing: Constrictive bronchiolitis can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, making it difficult to perform tasks that require physical. Fritz: Shortness of breath is a symptom of an underlying problem or problems, not a disease of its own. Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate. Email. VA Rating : MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3. If shortness of breath occurs more often, then there may be a cause or result of a more serious underlying condition. These symptoms include: Tightening of the chest. Just fyi, I am working on my claim for VA disability for asthma, and I have a fully developed claim as yet un-submitted and I know the FEV1% chart to ratings. Key Points. If you do not qualify for a presumptive rating then you must demonstrate: (1) a current diagnosis of asthma; (2) an in-service event, injury, or illness; and (3) a medical link between the current diagnosis and in-service event. Breathe in slowly through your nose while counting to 2. Both are chronic and usually worsen over time. The treatment you receive from the VA will be different, but the rating codes for disability work the same. Chest pain or chest discomfort. Fibromyalgia VA rating and benefits work a bit differently than that…Shortness of breath with activity or exercise. These are non-invasive tests that measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. The average VA disability rating. I had normal breathing tests for years with pain and shortness of breath, so I understand your frustration. Granulomatous disease. If the results are 40. The higher your rating, the more disability insurance you. Constant tiredness 11. Find a Doctor. To evaluate available clinical methods (self ratings and questionnaire) for rating dyspnea, we (1) compared scores from the recently developed baseline dyspnea index (BDI) with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and the oxygen-cost diagram (OCD) in 153 patients with various respiratory diseases who sought medical care for shortness. They include asthma, allergies, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), and COVID-19. 10 percent disability rating: $171. This rating is given to a veteran’s condition if he experiences one or more of the following:. Definition. In some cases, patients don’t notice symptoms until 50 percent or more of their lung tissue has been destroyed. Cardiac tamponade (excess fluid around the heart) COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — the blanket term for a group of diseases that block airflow from the lungs — including. This is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . Email. July 2010, September 2010, and October 2010 VA treatment records noted no symptoms referable to the heart and noted that the Veteran's CAD was asymptomatic. Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries, which carry oxygen-poor blood from your heart to your lungs. The assessment included coronary artery disease, with fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness, relieved with eating, most likely hypoglycemia. Less than 40% or a bunch of other issues are listed below. At 10, you are so short of breath that you need to stop the exercise or activity. People experience and describe shortness of breath differently depending on the cause. Jackhammer esophagus, or hypercontractile peristalsis, is an esophageal motility disorder that is characterized by esophageal spasms that involve all or most of the muscles of the esophagus. 17 - Total Disability Ratings for Pension Based on Unemployability and Age of the Individual. It’s normal to get out of breath when you’ve overexerted yourself, but when breathlessness comes on suddenly and. 4. F. The first symptom of emphysema is typically shortness of breath, but many people live for years without any symptoms. The key to controlling panic is to break the cycle before it starts. If you are not working w an Accredited Veterans Service Officer you may want to consider doing that. It can be acute (sudden dyspnea) or chronic (long-lasting dyspnea). shortness of breath; weight loss, and ; lung disorders; Conclusion. From a legal and medical standpoint, the 1991 Gulf War presented a unique set of challenges. To qualify for a 100 percent disability rating, your VA examiner will have to assess your COPD as completely and permanently disabling. Chest pain. 30% – the condition scores 6 or 7 METs on an MET test and causes shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting; or evidence (X-ray,. Anxiety disorders are most commonly rated under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 9400, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The PACT Act will bring these changes: Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. After 20 years my tests show that I am breathing at 75% capacity, and my doctors still say that's very good considering how long I have had it. You might describe it as not being able to get enough air (“air hunger”), chest tightness or working harder to breathe. 60% Rating: Your asthma’s bad, but not the worst. VA rating for constrictive bronchiolitis Getting VA disability benefits for constrictive bronchiolitis Benefits of contacting Woods and Woods What is constrictive. Understanding the burn pit presumptive conditions is vital for veterans seeking VA disability benefits for burn pit presumptives. If the infection has cleared up, VA will likely reassess your medical condition and lower your rating if there is a material improvement. Your VA disability ratings for tuberculosis directly correlate to a pre-determined monthly payment amount that is determined by law. These are non-invasive tests that measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. Pleuritis. All of those conditions, and many others, can cause shortness. Doctors often recommend relaxation techniques. Key symptoms of anemia include a constant feeling of weakness or fatigue. R06. Those symptoms include dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. For this, a veteran should have: A single disability, like asthma, rated at a minimum of 60%, OR. The VA rates sinusitis at either 0%, 10%, 30% or 50%, depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms. VA uses diagnostic code 6602 for Reactive Airway Diseases. At 10, you are so short of breath that you need to stop the exercise or activity. At a. 38 C. Shortness of breath; Chest pain; Fatigue; Hoarseness; Unexplained weight loss;. Records from the Social Security Administration (SSA) show that in 2005 the Veteran complained of shortness of breath, night sweats, and dyspnea. Once you show that your constrictive bronchiolitis is related to your time in service, VA will rate the severity of. "Patients with constrictive bronchiolitis can have shortness of breath when they exert themselves, but also have normal chest X-rays and pulmonary functioning test results. It is a feeling of uneasiness, fear, or dread, and is a normal stress reaction. The average VA disability rating. Sweaty. Va disability rating for bacterial lung infections. Collected For: PAL-03. Shortness of breath — known medically as dyspnea — is often described as an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger or a feeling of suffocation. com. Shortness of breath may have many causes. VA Disability Ratings for Costochondritis. 4. Severity ranges from person-to-person and can be minor or very severe. Key Points. Typically, the higher the percentages for these kinds of respiratory disorders, the lower your disability rating will be. Hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases can all develop into serious medical issues that may appear with shortness of breath. 6) The PROMIS Dyspnea Emotional Response item pool is a collection of items that. 0 = no shortness of breath at all; 0. Note - The Veteran is applying to the U. Shortness of breath is a nonspecific symptom with many possible causes and degrees of severity, making the evaluation of these patients challenging. Disability ratings can also drop down to as low as 10%. 17a - 4. The rate and depth of breathing normally increase during exercise and at high altitudes, but the increase seldom causes discomfort. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities. Cardiac tamponade (excess fluid around the heart) COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — the blanket term for a group of diseases that block airflow from the lungs — including emphysema. In an international survey, children with asthma were asked about early signs that their asthma was worsening. Shortness of breath—what doctors call dyspnea—is the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. App. It's Anxiety. Trouble breathing or worsening shortness of breath. Surgery. which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect? a. Allergies. Shortness of breath is one such problem that is fairly common in. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Causes of Shortness of Breath Some people may experience sudden shortness of breath for a short period of time. 19, 1968, based on the veteran’s effective date. Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency. Swelling in ankles and feet. 2 Breathlessness was the most common answer. It can be acute (sudden dyspnea) or chronic (long-lasting dyspnea). the client suddenly reports chest pain and is experiencing shortness of breath. Louis,A VA physician stated that the Veteran's spontaneous pneumothorax was secondary to his COPD. It often coincides with rapid breathing, hyperventilation, rapid heart rate, chest pain/chest tightness, dizziness,. also make you short of breath. 2 3 Development of the SOBDA questionnaire followed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Guidance for drug. The most common causes of acute shortness of breath include: Respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. On January 2014 VA Gulf War General Medical Examination, the examiner wrote that the Veteran developed symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea on exertion after serving in Southwest Asia where he was exposed to environmental contaminants. Key Points. The ratings range from 0% to 100% going up in 10% increments. Brain cancer, code 8002. The disease has been commonly reported in veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits. 71-80%. 10% rating if the patient scores eight, nine, or 10 on the MET test and has shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or related symptoms or if they require continuous medication 30% rating if the patient scores six or seven on the MET test and experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or related symptoms or if there is evidence. Shortness of breath or quick fatigue. Call TTY if you have hearing loss 800-799-4889. 38 CFR § 4. 410-955-5000 Maryland. The VA released a post today proposing changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) that directly affect the respiratory, auditory, and mental disorders body systems. This code is borrowed from bronchial asthma since. Use of inhaled medication can improve ventilation and reduce your shortness of. FEV-1. Anxiety can be a cause of shortness of breath. Your ratings on the scale can help you pace your activity. In 85% of cases, shortness of breath is caused by a medical condition affecting the heart or lungs. Eligibility for Agent Orange benefits. The claim has to be filed by December 31, 2021 for it to be listed as presumptive and have a 10% or higher rating. In most cases, dyspnea results from one of many conditions affecting either the heart or the lungs. com. If you receive a 50% disability rating, you receive $1,041. is a cancer that affects the. At first, your shortness of breath may be severe. In this case, the physician must clearly record a thorough history of asthma attacks. Your ratings on the scale can help you pace your activity. FEV-1/FVC. weeding, mowing with a. Make an appointment with your doctor if your shortness of breath is accompanied by: Swelling in your feet and ankles. There were no prior surgeries. Breathing. Updated on June 13, 2020. Fainting sensation. Shortness of breath is often a symptom of heart and lung problems. Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of mental and physical symptoms. For example, feeling short of breath is perfectly normal after a burst of vigorous exercise. 11-25 369 ) DATE ) ) On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in North Litt100% VA Rating: you are qualified to receive individual unemployability benefits. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;. VA disability ratings depend on how much a specific disability, including its symptoms and necessary treatments, interferes with a veteran’s ability to participate in daily life. R. It sounds like you have a complicated enough case that running it yourself may put you at a disadvantage. Create a plan with your doctor to manage your symptoms. When respiratory cancers are malignant, or active, they are generally rated under 38 CFR § 4. The rating reduction was implemented in a November 2009 decision, effective February 1, 2010. You can take in. The VA disability rating for pleuritis can be: 10%. Fast or irregular heart rate. 5. When the airways become inflamed and narrow, some people may cough, wheeze, or experience shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can result from a range of problems, including an allergic reaction, an anxiety attack, or anemia. According to Dr. During the other VA examination in March 1992 (of the trachea and bronchi), it was noted that the veteran had shortness of breath on even a moderate amount of exertion and that, reportedly, about one year earlier, he had to give up a job because of this problem. Shortness of breath can be a symptom of normal bodily functioning during exercise, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. These 27 PACT Act claims (sorted from A to Z) are now “presumed” to be service connected for veteran’s exposure to burn pits and other airborne hazards: Asthma, code 6602 (cannot have been diagnosed before discharge) Asthma, code 6602. VA treatment records show the Veteran's complaints of shortness of breath and chest pain with anxiety attacks (July. Chest pain or chest discomfort. This rating is given to a veteran's condition if there is one or more of the following: A score of 6 or 7 METS, and he is short of breath, fatigued, and experiences chest pain, dizziness, and/or fainting. Pulmonary function testing in December 2004 revealed two criteria of a 60 percent rating, FEV1 of 51 percent of predicted value, and DLCO of 47 percent of predicted value. Pulmonary fibrosis is rated using the general rating formula for interstitial lung disease in the VA Schedule of Ratings. a. F. Difficulty inhaling or exhaling. It's kind of like sarc in general. Contact us today for a free consultation at 855-855-8992. You’ll get three tries and your results will be averaged out. info@cck-law. Hold your lips together as if you are trying to whistle or. Most cases are due to heart or lung conditions, but there are many other causes. The basic VA rating system for heart disease is as follows: 100% – This rating is assigned if one or more of the following criteria are met, There is continuous congestive heart failure. In addition, the VA treatment records document the Veteran has shortness of breath, with and without exertion. Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder. The Veteran denied chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Start a confidential chat. Swelling in your legs or ankles. To qualify for presumptive VA benefits for Agent Orange exposure, you must be able to show: A medical record of having been diagnosed with an Agent Orange-related illness or condition, AND any of the following: Service in Vietnam for any length of time between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975,. If. Dyspnea can happen due to overexertion, spending time at high altitudes, or as a symptom of several conditions. A 100 percent disability rating is warranted where the evidence reveals chronic congestive heart failure, or a workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or there is left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent. For the 10 percent rating, a veteran must show one of the following:Symptoms of Shortness of Breath. Tightness in the throat or a barking, croupy cough. VA rates asthma under 38 C. For asthma, the VA rates it based on findings during the veteran’s C&P exam, history of asthma attacks, and clinical tests such as FEV-1 and FCV, which measure lung capacity, as well as ER visits and medications needed. Under 38 CFR § 4. 90 percent disability rating: $1,998. While some people have no symptoms, others may experience chest pain, cold hands and feet, dizziness or lightheadedness, headaches, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and yellow or pale skin. The rating criteria is outlined below:Altered sense of taste and/or smell; Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life; Nagging cough or shortness of breath; Heart racing, skipping beats, palpitations or chest painIf a veteran is not having an attack during a VA examination, there must be a history of attacks in the record for the VA to consider. com. His x-ray or electrocardiogram shows evidence of hypertrophy or dilation. 38 CFR § 4. 30% Rating: Your asthma’s there, but it’s under control most days. Feeling a need to breathe more quickly or deeply. Schedule a Free Consultation. For Gulf War Veterans, VA presumes that unexplained symptoms are related to Gulf War service if a Veteran has experienced them for six months or more. Modern medical advances and knowledge would be employed to compensate Veterans more accurately under the changes. Difficulty in breathing (also known as shortness of breath, breathlessness, or dyspnea) is caused by various mechanisms related to different problems in the body. The most common causes are heart disease, lung disease and hypoxia. Use extra pillows under the head, neck, and chest. VA combined ratings. You need to see the doc regularly for flare-ups. When looking at symptoms of ischemic heart disease, VA specifically looks for the following when assigning a rating: shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain,. You become anxious and start to breathe faster. §4. 0): Respiratory signs and symptoms. The asthma was my biggest relief. For service-connected VA disabilities, you are eligible. Shortness of breath is associated with a myriad of symptoms, depending on what brings it about. Slight fever and chills. gideon@ eglawoffice. Shortness of breath 6. When people experience shortness of breath because of anxiety or panic, it can make them feel more anxious, which can worsen their breathing. VA uses METs to rate heart disabilities at any level – 100%, 60%, 30% or 10%. This is because the heart and lungs help carry oxygenated blood to tissues throughout. Shortness Of Breath, Front Royal, Virginia. Human factors including age, health status, existing medical conditions, and genetics. VA Disability Ratings for Respiratory Cancers. A 100 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis has been in effect for over five years. When you are becoming short of breath, do the following: Sit, relaxing your arms and shoulders. 60%. And while a fleeting bout of difficulty breathing. COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) is a disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fever, loss of sense of smell and/or taste, shaking chills, headache, and sore throat. In 2001, the VA and DoD published a CPG for the Management of Medically Unexplained Symptoms: Chronic Pain and Fatigue (2001 CPG), which was based on evidence reviewed through February 2001. Coughing. pleural plaques, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This test is used to diagnose COPD, bronchitis, asthma, and even lung cancer. 97 (DC 6004) for COPD. 10 percent rating. Typically, the code used is for conditions that affect. Feeling of suffocation. 00 per month. The rating depends on the results of a pulmonary function test (PFT). To attain service connection, you must meet the 3 general requirements: Have a current medical diagnosis for sarcoidosis. Rating: Symptoms: 100%: If there is one or more of the following: (1) continuous congestive heart failure; (2) The condition scores 3 METs or less on an MET test and causes shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting; or (3) Left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30%: 60%Key Points. 60% Disability: Symptoms limit your ability to do the majority of your daily. A 100% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3. If you have acute bronchitis, you might have cold symptoms, such as a mild headache or body aches. To receive a VA rating for your condition, you must provide medical evidence showing. ORD Home » Topics » Respiratory Health. ) A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis),. 16b (“Extraschedular”): This pathway caters to unique cases. The veteran was again examined by VA in March 1997. These guidelines can also help healthcare providers identify, manage. If you qualify for VA disability compensation, VA claims officials will assign a disability rating between 10 percent and 100 percent, depending on the severity of your condition. The scale can help you realize how short of breath you are with specific activities. A 10% rating is granted when your diastolic pressure is 100 to 109, or your systolic pressure is 160 to 199. Shortness of breath is often a symptom of heart and lung problems. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, minimizing caffeine, alcohol, and sugars. Shortness of breath. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Some individuals will experience these symptoms intermittently, having asthma attacks only after exercise or other triggers; other individuals can have symptoms at all times, regardless of their actions or environment. Worsening of preexisting shortness of breath. For instance, you have just filed for migraines, depression, and tinnitus. A veteran with a 10 percent rating will score on the range of 71 to 80 percent. 3d 1163 (2004). At first, your shortness of breath may be severe. to ICD-9-CM. The VA rates exercise-induced asthma based on two specific tests or metrics: Forced. 88 per monthAge (p < . Dyspnea is the medical term used to describe shortness of breath, a symptom considered central to all forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. When you are becoming short of breath, do the following: Sit, relaxing your arms and shoulders. The treatment you receive from the VA will be different, but the rating codes for disability work the same. It may not be part of your overall C&P exam since a specific. Feeling huffy and puffy. The VA disability rating for pleuritis can be: 10%. 18 - Misconduct Etiology/Unemployability. Several conditions rated from 10 percent to 100 percent may be related to your lung. 100% VA Rating for Heart Disease. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1. An April 2011 VA examination report indicated that the estimated METs level was 5-7. hypovolemic shock d. 30 percent disability rating: $524. In 2021, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) released new guidelines for healthcare providers caring for Veterans with CMI. Shortness of breath is felt in your chest and can manifest as: Difficulty catching your breath. 10. When respiratory cancers are malignant, or active, they are generally rated under 38 CFR § 4. A veteran with restrictive lung disease with pulmonary fibrosis will be rated under the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833): A 10% rating is given if the FVC of 75 to 80 percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66 to 80 percent predicted. 01), and number of days exercising (p < . Difficulty urinating 9. The rate and depth of breathing normally increase during exercise and at high altitudes, but the increase seldom causes discomfort. Advanced testing of the heart and lungs may reveal why some people who have recovered from COVID-19 still have shortness of breath. You need to see the doc regularly for flare-ups. VA Disability Rating for Reactive Airway Disease. 1, which presumably reflects the reported findings on the April 2010 private testing. Fatigue (36-63%) and bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth (16-63%) were found in three of these four studies to be more common among IBS patients, as well. 1. 30%. As aortic valve regurgitation becomes worse, symptoms may include: Shortness of breath with exercise or when lying down. Veterans who served in these eras have experienced health issues such as COPD, emphysema, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, chronic bronchitis, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders (COPD) from burn pits and environmental exposures, and. Dyspnea (pronounced “DISP-nee-uh”) is the word healthcare providers use for feeling short of breath. ÐÏ à¡± á> þÿ ƒ þÿÿÿ. 100%. Most recently, the University of California at San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSDQ) was developed. Approximate Synonyms. Shortness. Tiredness and weakness, especially when being more active than usual. Although VA recognizes hiatal hernias as a disabling condition, proving the link between a hernia & military. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing have been. shortness of breath; weight loss, and ; lung disorders; Conclusion. Emphysema—Emphysema is a lung disease that is characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing, particularly during physical activity. VA Study; 2010/viewarticle/979747. Talk out your problems with someone you trust. With METs based ratings, the higher level of exertion you are able to withstand prior to having those symptoms listed above, the higher your METs score. Anxiety can also manifest itself in physical ways like chest pain, stomach aches, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). 10 Breathing Exercises for Anxiety Relief. What Are Pulmonary Function Disorders? Pulmonary function disorders, also known as respiratory system disorders, are some of the most common disorders. Or elevate the head of the bed with pillows and blanket under the mattress, between the mattress and box springs, or by placing blocks under the headboard. If you or any Veterans you know have been diagnosed with any of the following illnesses, you’re encouraged to contact the VA at 1 (800) 698-2411 or file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation online.