Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Gout and Hypertension in Veterans' Disability.
Leah discusses the connection between gout and hypertension, particularly in the context of veterans' disability claims. Gout, an inflammatory arthritis caused by hyperuricemia (excess uric acid in the body), often presents as painful flare-ups, commonly in the big toe. Leah highlights risk factors like being male, obesity, certain health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), and lifestyle choices (e.g., alcohol consumption, diet high in purines). She explains how hypertension and the use of diuretics for its treatment can be significant risk factors for developing gout. Leah then guides veterans on how gout can be service-connected, either directly or secondarily, due to other conditions or risk factors like obesity or mental health issues with alcohol use. She references several research articles that support the relationship between hypertension and gout, emphasizing the importance of discussing these findings with healthcare providers to explore potential service-related connections.