Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz Obesity as an Intermediate Step in VA Disability.
Leah explains that while obesity itself isn't directly service-connected, it can act as a bridge linking service-related conditions to other medical issues. For instance, a veteran's service-connected disability might lead to obesity, which in turn causes another condition. Leah delves into the definition and categories of obesity based on BMI (Body Mass Index) and mentions the landmark Walsh vs. Wilkie case, which set a precedent for obesity as an intermediate step in such claims. She outlines the criteria for establishing a connection between service-related disability, obesity, and subsequent health issues. Leah provides examples of conditions like mental health disorders, orthopedic ailments, and asthma, which can lead to obesity, and secondary conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea that might be linked to obesity. 

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