Syphilitic heart disease

For a syphilitic aortic aneurysm, imaging records showing the size of the aneurysm are central. A measurement of five centimeters or more in diameter directly supports the 100% level, as does documentation that symptoms such as shortness of breath preclude exertion, or that a physician has recommended surgery. After surgery, records from the six-month post-discharge VA examination and any follow-up visits help establish where your condition falls under the General Rating Formula. For ratings under that formula, exercise stress test results reporting the MET level at which breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope occur are especially relevant. If exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner's written estimate of your activity tolerance in METs, supported by specific examples, can be used instead. Echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, or MRI findings confirming cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation support the 30% level. Prescription records showing continuous medication is required for control support the 10% level. Statements from you or those who know you describing how symptoms affect work and daily activity can help show the real-world impact of those findings.