Chronic hypocalcaemia

Acquired cataract - Chronic hypocalcaemia Factor

The RMA has defined "hypocalcaemia" as:

"confirmed findings of serum calcium <8.2 mg/dL (2.05 mmol/L) or ionized calcium <4.4 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L)".

General information

Chronic hypocalcaemia is less common than hypercalcaemia; it is usually symptomatic and requires treatment. Causes include chronic renal failure, hereditary and acquired hypoparathyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency (rickets).

Symptoms include muscle spasms, carpo-pedal (hand –foot) spasms, facial grimacing, and in extreme cases, laryngeal spasm and convulsions. Mental changes include irritability, depression and psychosis.

If a veteran suffered from chronic hypocalcaemia, it would normally be noted in the medical records.

Last reviewed for CCPS 20 August 2008.

Preliminary questions [30929]

31085 there is some evidence that chronic hypocalcaemia may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

31087 the condition under consideration is a cortical or subcapsular cataract.

31086 the veteran has had chronic hypocalcaemia at some time.

31088  the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and VEA service for acquired cataract.

31099 the veteran had chronic hypocalcaemia at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

31089   the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and VEA service for the clinical onset of acquired cataract.

31091  the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and operational service for the clinical onset of acquired cataract.

or

31092  the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and eligible service for the clinical onset of acquired cataract.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

31100 the veteran had chronic hypocalcaemia at the time of the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

31090   the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and VEA service for the clinical worsening of acquired cataract.

31093  the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and operational service for the clinical worsening of acquired cataract.

or

31094  the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic hypocalcaemia and eligible service for the clinical worsening of acquired cataract.

Clinical onset and operational service [31091]

31095  the chronic hypocalcaemia is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [31092]

31096  the chronic hypocalcaemia is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [31093]

31095  the chronic hypocalcaemia is causally related to operational service.

31097 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the chronic hypocalcaemia is causally related.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [31094]

31096  the chronic hypocalcaemia is causally related to eligible service.

31098 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the chronic hypocalcaemia is causally related.