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 pain Symptoms of Shortness of Breath. Symptoms range from shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, to severe chest pain, and coughing up sputum or blood. After your doctor diagnoses the cause of your shortness of breath, they can help you manage your condition. Ratings range from 0 percent to 100 percent. This diagnostic code rates using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart. For Chronic Bronchitis you can be rated 10%, 30%,. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common presenting symptoms at diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). VA declines to revise the evaluation criteria to incorporate symptoms of extreme fatigue, hypotension, shortness of breath. Lack of good lung ventilation in COPD makes you short of breath. Bacterial lung infections can be a serious and life-altering diagnosis in some scenarios. If your FEV-1 value is 56%, you get a 30% disability rating, but, if it is 55%, you are bumped up to a 60% rating, not 31%. A 30% rating requires an FVC of 65 to 74 percent. Shortness of breath. Coughing. Disabilities related to heart disease can be rated at 0, 10, 30, 60, and 100 percent. Shortness of breath; Feeling weak; and more;. 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,. The most common kind of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which the upper airways become blocked and restrict airflow. Here is a brief look at the VA rating schedule for heart disease: 100 percent rating. I explained to doctors and my wife that I wasn't. 97 (DC 6004) for COPD. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic. Everyone was having fun and getting wet and I was gasping for air feeling like I was about to die. Here are some examples of rating criteria percentages for constrictive bronchiolitis: 30% Disability: Symptoms such as chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that limit your physical activity, stamina, and ability to get a decent night’s sleep. Emphysema involves damage to the tiny air sacs in the lungs as a result of long-term exposure to irritants such as smoke, chemical fumes and air pollution. ” Nurses reported using the suggested words on the 0-10 scale to guide patients in their self-rating (none, mild, moderate, severe or unbearable) (Fig. Swelling of the legs or ankles (edema) is one of the most common amlodipine side effects. Disability ratings can also drop down to as low as 10%. Heart attack. "Because these two organ systems are so intertwined, one always affects the other," says Dr. It's a common feeling that may be the result of being out of shape but could also be a sign of serious disease. 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. Shortness of breath is defined as a “subjective experience of breathing discomfort. Collected For: PAL-03. Dyspnea can happen due to overexertion, spending time at high altitudes, or as a symptom of several conditions. The Veteran denied chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness. 0. We performed a cross-sectional study of emergency department (ED) visits to 104 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals from 2011 to 2018 by patients aged 60 years and over presenting with shortness of breath (SOB). Use a fan when you feel short of breath or “closed in” along with doing pursed-lips breathing can help. If you receive a 50% disability rating, you receive $1,041. For VA disability ratings for tuberculosis of. The conditions covered in. 40 percent disability rating: $755. There is not a disability rating for every condition, therefore, the VA will often. This study further highlights the importance of non-COVID-19 controls in studies of PASC. Spirometry: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) describes the degree of airflow limitation. If FEV-1 and FVC tests are not performed, then asthma can be rated based on the kind of medication that is used to treat the condition or the severity of the condition based on the number of ER visits. Finally got my VA Disability rating! I got rated at 60% and feel so relieved. How physicians evaluate patients with dementia who present with shortness of breath. This causes painful, uncomfortable breathing and shortness of breath. If you are visiting r/veterans for the first time please read the rules. You need to see the doc regularly for flare-ups. In order to get a VA disability rating, your condition must be connected to your military service. Lean forward slightly, resting your upper body on your forearms. Both are chronic and usually worsen over time. The practice per VA Directive 0215 is that the VA workgroup on NASEM reports reviews pertinent literature that has been published during the time following the NASEM literature review and. Although VA recognizes hiatal hernias as a disabling condition, proving the link between a hernia & military. FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min. Find a Doctor. Headache. Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency. There are five items in the item pool. Your ratings on the scale can help you pace your activity. F. S. The VA recognizes bronchitis as a disability and awards disability compensation at 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100% for veterans who meet specific criteria. Sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea), is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department. Records from the Social Security Administration (SSA) show that in 2005 the Veteran complained of shortness of breath, night sweats, and dyspnea. Key Points. This is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . 0 °C ) or higher or as advised by your healthcare provider . Difficulty inhaling or exhaling. 30%. 100% VA Rating. A veteran with this rating must be totally impaired due to symptoms, such as:. 19, 1968 or in effect on Aug. In an August 2009 rating decision, the RO proposed to reduce the rating for pulmonary sarcoidosis to 30 percent. 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. Shortness of breath—what doctors call dyspnea—is the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. This is a subreddit for news, sites, information and events that may interest veterans. shortness of breath, chronic cough, and other effects. I was deployed to Balad on 2007 and had never had any breathing issues before. For example, the VA. People experience and describe shortness of breath differently depending on the cause. Raising up the head of the bed may help at night. Shortness of breath. If the infection has cleared up, VA will likely reassess your medical condition and lower your rating if there is a material improvement. Burn Pits VA Disability Rating. When looking at symptoms of ischemic heart disease, VA specifically looks for the following when assigning a rating: shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain,. 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. In all, approximately 150,000 such nodules are detected every year in the United States. In some cases, patients don’t notice symptoms until 50 percent or more of their lung tissue has been destroyed. Coughing. Shortness of breath (medically known as “dyspnea”) is the sensation of not being able to get enough air. This is a condition that affects 12% to 15% of U. But this can put pressure on smaller blood vessels (called capillaries), causing fluid to leak out into surrounding tissues. It may not be part of your overall C&P exam since a specific. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing have been. Schedule a Free Consultation. Chest pain or chest discomfort. VA rating for constrictive bronchiolitis Getting VA disability benefits for constrictive bronchiolitis Benefits of contacting Woods and Woods What is constrictive. Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of mental and physical symptoms. Call TTY if you have hearing loss 800-799-4889. Anxiety can be a cause of shortness of breath. Shortness of breath when lying down. Note (2) to 38 C. 30 percent rating. Shortness of breath—what doctors call dyspnea—is the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. Emphysema—Emphysema is a lung disease that is characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing, particularly during physical activity. 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. There are two types of respiratory cancer caused by exposure to asbestos: Mesothelioma . Shortness of Breath. Other symptoms that the VA looks at are shortness of breath, fatigue, angina , dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness. 003) also contributed significantly to. In this case, the physician must clearly record a thorough history of asthma attacks. You may hear these conditions called Long COVID, post-acute COVID, chronic COVID, post-COVID conditions, long haul COVID, or other terms. Make an appointment with your doctor if your shortness of breath is accompanied by: Swelling in your feet and ankles. Asthma. 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. Get plenty of rest. You’ll get three tries and your results will be averaged out. If shortness of breath occurs more often, then there may be a cause or result of a more serious underlying condition. 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. First, avoid all triggers. Shortness of breath can result from a range of problems, including an allergic reaction, an anxiety attack, or anemia. Symptoms depend on what is causing your shortness of breath. Additional symptoms experienced by some adults with scoliosis. 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. Usually, this will mean your rating ends up being too low. If you need assistance with this process, contact Veterans. In an appeal or disability rating. In this case, the physician must clearly record a thorough history of asthma attacks. For example, feeling short of breath is perfectly normal after a burst of vigorous exercise. (83 KB, PDF)Both are chronic and usually worsen over time. Both carry with them all of the other symptoms and conditions that go with breathing problems: fatigue, shortness of breath, heavy or tight chest, and coughing. “Sudden shortness of breath may be caused by a secondary infection in the already compromised lung from lung disease. Arteriosclerosis can be rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, depending on your MET score. FEV-1/FVC. Shortness of breath—what doctors call dyspnea—is the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. doi: 10. 001) and sleeping at least 6 hr (p = . The Schedule of Ratings calls for pleurisy to be rated under Ratings for inactive nonpulmonary tuberculosis either initially entitled. 4. Characteristics and Outcomes of 80 Soldiers Referred for the Evaluation of Shortness of Breath on Exertion. 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,. Not being able to get enough air. The Center uses information from the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) and other sources to inform their research initiatives. 0 METs or less. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability benefits. Constrictive bronchiolitis is a rare respiratory condition that is difficult to diagnose. For the 10 percent rating, a veteran must show one of the following:Symptoms of Shortness of Breath. Patient Survey Star Ratings. scans, pulmonary function tests, exercise tests. and recently they requested the barium swallow test, this revealed a raised diaphragm, compressing the left lung. Chat. 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. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, minimizing caffeine, alcohol, and sugars. shortness of breath Pneumonia UTI Influenza The nurse is caring for a 78-year-old female in the Emergency Department (ED). SSD causes significant impairment in occupational, social, and personal functioning due to excessive thoughts and behaviors related to physical symptoms. Disability ratings for all respiratory cancers are covered by VA under Diagnostic Code in 38 CFR § 4. about one-third of Veterans who . Gastrointestinal concerns. Your health care provider typically writes this nexus letter to present to the VA. These statements were reiterated during the Veteran's hearing before a Veteran's Law Judge in October 2007. deep vein thrombosis b. The METs achieved was noted as 10. The most common symptoms of Long Covid include shortness of breath, fatigue, and sleep disorders, but researchers have identified over 200 possible symptoms. 001), ethnicity (such that non-White people reported more shortness of breath or feeling tired than White people, p = . Hold your lips together as if you are trying to whistle or. Carbon monoxide poisoning. 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. Note - The Veteran is applying to the U. VA may obtain additional medical information, including an examination, if necessary, to complete VA's review of the Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly (called acute) has a limited number of causes, including: Anaphylaxis. But it can also be a sign of other conditions like. 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. Shortness of breath; Chest pains; Nodule-related distress ranging from mild to severe, possibly due to a near-cancer diagnosis; Here, we discuss what lung nodules mean with respect to VA disability ratings and benefits. 88 per monthUCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire. F. You can take in 40-55% of air in a deep breath. Several conditions rated from 10 percent to 100 percent may be related to your lung. 410-955-5000 Maryland. It’s often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness. 2 Breathlessness was the most common answer. The virus affects cells in the airways, from the nose and throat down to the deepest parts of the lungs. Pleuritis. • Shortness of breath • Sleep disturbances Several studies showed that . Although the VA disability rating system. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability benefits. Your VA disability ratings for tuberculosis directly correlate to a pre-determined monthly payment amount that is determined by law. Disabled veterans with physical symptoms like chronic pain, weakness, and shortness of breath may be eligible for a VA Disability Rating for Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). Pulmonary fibrosis. Shortness of breath is associated with a myriad of symptoms, depending on what brings it about. Shortness of breath may have many causes. 800-544-9144. [email protected]. Daily activities were limited due to fatigue. Pulmonary fibrosis is rated using the general rating formula for interstitial lung disease in the VA Schedule of Ratings. Note (2) to 38 C. • Involves Cardiology, Surgery. 1111/jgs. COPD Disability Rating Terminology. The rate and depth of breathing normally increase during exercise and at high altitudes, but the increase seldom causes discomfort. When respiratory cancers are malignant, or active, they are generally rated under 38 CFR § 4. This makes it difficult to breathe and can cause coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. 10% VA Rating: Your FEV-1 is between 71 and 80 percent. Quddus says. The scale can help you realize how short of breath you are with specific activities. Coughing up blood. A May 2015 private treatment report confirms a diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax. 20% of times 70% gives us 14%; add 14% to 30% to get 44% then round the 44% down to 40% for the final combined rating. April 10, 2020. Sleep Apnea. The reactive. February 21, 2022. Shortness of breath—what doctors call dyspnea—is the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath; Feeling weak or tired with regularity; Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia; Sudden onset of wheezing;. At first, your shortness of breath may be severe. 02 may differ. Feeling anxious can surface emotions like apprehension, worry, and fear. What Are Pulmonary Function Disorders? Pulmonary function disorders, also known as respiratory system disorders, are some of the most common disorders. 0 METs or less: 100%: MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3. 97, Diagnostic Code (DC) 6602. When respiratory cancers are malignant, or active, they are generally rated under 38 CFR § 4. The earliest symptom is shortness of breath during your usual routine. 97, the VA rates asthma depending on its severity. 100 percent disability rating: $3,332. B. Other common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and fatigue. Arteriosclerosis can be rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, depending on your MET score. § 4. This is the highest possible rating and means that the veteran is Totally Disabled. ; Symptoms: Symptoms of either shortness of breath (dyspnea) or exercise intolerance are very important in selecting treatment. §4. The most common causes of acute shortness of breath include: Respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Severity ranges from person-to-person and can be minor or very severe. This strains the lungs and heart and can lead to serious problems. 30 percent disability rating: $524. When rating service-connected anxiety disorders, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders included in 38 CFR § 4. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, leaning your chest slightly forward. (See "Patient education: Pneumonia in adults (Beyond the Basics)" . Typically, the code used is for conditions that affect. Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD. It is a feeling of uneasiness, fear, or dread, and is a normal stress reaction. Swelling in ankles and feet. First, avoid all triggers. Doctors often recommend relaxation techniques. This must include evidence of the disability, and it must be near the time of the claim to be timely. 15-15 090 ) DATE ) ) On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in St. The rate and depth of breathing normally increase during exercise and at high altitudes, but the increase seldom causes discomfort. Email. Symptoms start with shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain and can take anywhere from 20-50. 60%: Symptoms that are even more severe than those described for a 30% rating. The Shortness of Breath with Daily Activities (SOBDA) questionnaire is a daily diary questionnaire developed to quantify a patient's perception of dyspnoea related to daily activities and how this changes over time during treatment. The meaning of SHORTNESS OF BREATH is difficulty breathing. In the modified version, patients are asked about the frequency of dyspnea when performing 21 different activities on a six-point rating scale . Below are some common respiratory illnesses and other breathing problems listed in the VA disability rating schedule’s guidelines: Sinusitis. The schedular disability rating chart for asthma is as follows: Diagnostic Code 6602: Asthma, bronchial. Veterans with these symptoms would be eligible to receive VA. Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or a sensation of “fluttering”. Several conditions rated from 10 percent to 100 percent may be related to your lung nodules, such as the following: Asthma, rated under diagnostic code 6602. Anxiety disorders are most commonly rated under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 9400, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. A person with long COVID who has symptoms of intestinal pain, vomiting, and nausea that have lingered for months is substantially limited in. Less than 40% or a bunch of other issues are listed below. Lots of different medical conditions can cause sudden shortness of breath: asthma, a chest infection, heart disease, anxiety, panic attacks, and yes — COVID-19. 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. Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and. Shortness of breath: Few sensations are as frightening as not being able to get enough air. 60%. Pain during intercourse (sex)Obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease cause shortness of breath. 10%. is a cancer that affects the. A VA rating for asthma depends on frequency and severity of your symptoms. § 4. A score of 4 or 5 METS and he is short of breath, fatigued, and experiences chest pain, dizziness. Records from the Social Security Administration (SSA) show that in 2005 the Veteran complained of shortness of breath, night sweats, and dyspnea. You need to see the doc regularly for flare-ups. Veterans might notice their first symptoms when having difficulty exercising due to shortness of breath. When looking at symptoms of ischemic heart disease, VA specifically looks for the following when assigning a rating: shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain,. But, VA recognizes that it is a legitimate disability and so it borrows appropriate diagnostic codes from similar conditions. Asthma Ratings. The Quality of Patient Care (QoPC) Star Rating is based on OASIS assessments and Medicare claims data. To determine a veteran’s ratings, the VA relies a great deal on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Shortness of breath. This diagnostic code rates using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart. Shortness of breath; Chest pain; Fatigue; Hoarseness; Unexplained weight loss;. 18 - Misconduct Etiology/Unemployability. Fainting. This is a subreddit for news, sites, information and events that may interest veterans. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. For heart disease, the VA will grant a 10, 30, 60, or 100 percent disability rating. shortness of breath; weight loss, and ; lung disorders; Conclusion. The spasms are so intense and tend to last for a long time, making the name of the disorder, jackhammer esophagus, an adequate. How much air you’re inhaling and exhaling. As COPD is both a progressive and non-reversible, the severity of dyspnea plays a key role. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One of the most isolating and scary aspects of the coronavirus pandemic is that people who have COVID-19 or suspect they do are often told to monitor their. F. Causes of Shortness of Breath Some people may experience sudden shortness of breath for a short period of time. The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities is the instrument used for rating a veteran’s disability. You can also read up on how the VA raters manual approaches service connection and rating of respiratory orders by clicking here. A 100 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis has been in effect for over five years. Sensitivity to heat or cold 10. This is referred to as the ABC's: Airway. Fatigue. Dyspnea (pronounced “DISP-nee-uh”) is the word healthcare providers use for feeling short of breath. Typically, the higher the percentages for these kinds of respiratory disorders, the lower your disability rating will be. Drawing of organs that may be involved in development of shortness of breath, including the central nervous system, airway, lungs, chest, and heart. We are here to support one another, and help resolve any VA / Veterans related issues. Feeling a need to breathe more quickly or deeply. Shortness of breath and cough: Shortness of breath and a cough indicate a variety of conditions ranging from mild to severe, including panic attacks, acute bronchitis,. Many patients continue to have ongoing symptoms well after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. • Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, arrhythmias, and edema. Some of the symptoms reported by COVID long-haulers include: Anosmia (lack of sense of smell)There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for Rhinitis: #1: Direct Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis with a rating of 10% or 30%. The dollar amount of benefits is determined by the degree of your disability. VA Disability Ratings for Respiratory Issues. So I have so sort of condition that I have shortness of breath usually during high winds like when outside. 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. Chest pain or chest discomfort. It happens because amlodipine dilates your blood vessels, which improves blood flow. When experiencing difficulty breathing or wheezing when lying down, you may also have a cough or heart palpitations. It is a prevalent symptom impacting millions of people. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ) is a self-report questionnaire that asks patients to indicate the severity of shortness of breath experienced on a 6-point scale (0 = Not at all, 4 = Severely, 5 = Maximally or unable to do because of. 30. In one’s lifetime, one may experience rare episodes of shortness of breath as part of high levels of activity like exhaustive exertion, or during environmental. 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. The key to controlling panic is to break the cycle before it starts. Emphysema: a serious lung disease that damages the air sacs in your lungs. Here are some tips that may help: Elevation. Shortness of Breath. The key to controlling panic is to break the cycle before it starts. The higher your rating, the more disability insurance you. "You may first notice shortness of breath during physical activity. When you feel short of breath, your neck, shoulder, and chest muscles tense. 16b (“Extraschedular”): This pathway caters to unique cases. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing this interim final rule to amend its adjudication regulations to establish presumptive service connection for three. Anxiety can also manifest itself in physical ways like chest pain, stomach aches, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). 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. 3. While many other health conditions, like diabetes mellitus type II and. Summary. deploy to the Gulf have reported symptoms consistent with GWI. Fatigue. At a. when you breathe out and shortness of breath” (Mayo linic). For example, if you receive a disability rating of 10%, you receive $165. You should take an inhaler if you are having an asthma attack, but if you don’t have an inhaler and can’t breathe, call 911. FEV–1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV–1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication. Shortness of breath is felt in your chest and can manifest as: Difficulty catching your breath. The VA rates sinusitis at either 0%, 10%, 30% or 50%, depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms. These symptoms include: Tightening of the chest. Citation Nr: 1210937 Decision Date: 03/26/12 Archive Date: 04/05/12 DOCKET NO. VA Rating for Anemia . 08-38 252 ) DATE ) ) On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Reno, Nevada THE ISSUE Entitlement to service connection for recurrent symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath and dyspnea including potential etiologies of underlying respiratory. The assessment included coronary artery disease, with fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness, relieved with eating, most likely hypoglycemia. 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. Fibromyalgia. We're here anytime, day or night — 24/7. Your condition scores 3 METs or less on the MET test while causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and dizziness. VA assigns a 100% rating where the veteran experiences the symptoms of heart disease at a minimal level of: exercise such as slow walking for one or two blocks, showering, dressing or; eating (1-3 METs). Shortness of breath; A tight feeling in the chest;.