Hello, I just began my IDES last week and am new to the forum. I read previous posts about syncope and had a few of questions. First, after researching how vasovagel syncope has been coded through VA typically through this forum (correct me if I'm wrong) but it seems like it would be regarded as paralysis to the 10th cranial nerve (8210), which maxes out at 50%, how does a 60% rating occur with the same titled diagnosis? Second, whats the difference between service-connected and combat related-I mean I started having this condition right after my second deployment to Iraq, along with other issues (lack of sleep, back pain, and bad headaches), will any of that be taken into consideration? I'm really inclined to think if I hadn't gone to Iraq I would be normal like the rest of my family that wasn't exposed to the things I was. But I'm no doctor, so I don't know if this condition is typically seen that way to the VA. Can this be considered combat-related? 3rd, sometimes I feel like my conditions are worsening, I went from 3 episodes in three months no profile, to 2 episodes this month w/ profile, last one happend two weeks ago. The question is will I recieve sceptism by continually reporting throughout MEB if they continue, or will these episodes be taken into consideration towards %. Actually, this is the same for my sleep issues, and headaches, does it matter if I report them now that MEB has already begun? Also, I have to say I am somewhat apprehensive with the process, I noticed one person posted they recieved 0% in this forum yet others anywhere from 30-60% for vasovagal syncope. I understand this condition occurs by habitually passing out at least once or twice a month. Not just feeling like they're going down but actually going out cold. How can the ratings differ so much when having such a diagnosis recorded I 'd assume would disqualify many occupations that the average healthy person could apply for (fireman/police/laborer etc) upon release from active sevice? It just seems there should be a more thorough system to determine the effects. I get essentially no early warnings of when the episode is about to happen, and it can be caused now by merely walking at times. I am on anti-depress meds to mitigate syncope for past 10 days, but dosage only goes out for 30 days, if I don't have any episodes while using meds, how is that judged effective or not? I think this is a lot of info for now, any advice is greatly appreciated!