You're not alone. Hepatitis C also causes insulin resistance. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Once you are clear on the type of apnea, you should talk with your doctor further about what he or she thinks is the primary cause for it. This will confirm a medical diagnosis and current symptoms, especially if theyve become more severe over time. Veterans Court reminds the VA: the BVA must adjudicate the logically related informal claim. without his BI-PAP MACHINE,one up from CPAP,which i have. and Coronavirus. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. =XG\b?pjbAp{SB~,L8G2*`'x;7i2uPC=Lo:ITXwKVm /! about the threat of COVID-19 and Coronavirus. This is in order to be officially diagnosed. (In many cases, amedical expert report or opinion may be crucial to success). To prove that sleep apnea is service connected, the smart Veteran is going to have to connect the dots for them. (In one study, 69.2% of veterans were assessed as being at high risk for OSA.). Weve supported more than 15,000 veterans to win their claims and increase their ratings. PTSD can cause insulin resistance (fasting Blood sugar results above 100 prove you have insulin resistance) and insulin resistance causes sleep apnea. Heck, I get an email or more a day from a Veteran that says this: My Sleep Apnea claimwas not granted. if our guys/gals have SLEEP APNEA in the field THAT COULD KILL THEM.!! I read his information, submitted medical documents, receiveda Letter of Nexus or comments from a VA contractor doctor. .{}p/=jyWG0j#kdLl%*~ P5O1A S-<9o2xmBV1 G(7H^1rnWI\8@I8w Therefore, a well-crafted nexus letter for sleep apnea is the single most crucial document a veteran can provide the VA adjudicator to help prove service connection on an at least as likely as not basis. Regardless of whether you are dealing with OSA, its important to pursue all the benefits available to you as a veteran. Veterans ask me more questions about sleep apnea than almost any other question about VA Benefits Law. THANK YOU AGAIN. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Here, nexus is the connection between your service and the current diagnosis of sleep apnea. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. In September 1978, she was granted service connection for bilateral chondromalacia, a breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint that causes pain when bones . Obstructive sleep apnea is estimated to affect between 2-9% of adults (about 15 million Americans) but is believed to be frequently undiagnosed. Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include: People who suffer from sleep apnea are often unaware of the breathing disturbances, finding out about them from a bed partner or roommate. Many Veterans suffering from emotional distress overeat and lack the motivation to work out. While sleep apnea on its own can be difficult to connect, you have the option of connecting it to another condition already claimed. For example, if a veteran has service connection for diabetes caused by agent orange and it is a well known fact that diabetes can cause sleep apnea, then you should be able to add it to the claim. Lesson #4: More VeteransShould be Able toService ConnectSleep Apnea. Symptoms of CFS include thinking and memory issues, orthostatic intolerance such as dizziness, weakness, fainting when upright, and much more. Proving Service-Connection for Sleep Apnea. fight to get their sleep apnea service-connected. However, if you use one, it does provide you with a higher rating. In the article you quoted, Mr Harrison said, Sleep apnea is not a combat injury, especially if its caused by obesity.. Your email address will not be published. They denied extra physical therapy. A sleep study is critical to confirming whether you meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for sleep apnea. Veterans with deviated septums can have clear cases for a secondary sleep apnea claim. Favorable BVA Case Law Precedent Example #2: Not a lot of VSOs or advocates get this when helping a Veteran file a VA Claim. While we still have our home base in Florida, Did the VA Benefit of the Doubt Rule just disappear? . How can you learn more about these things? I haven't met anybody, who's been in the military, who's worked with the VA who couldn't benefit from this service. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation youre owed by law. You cut off oxygen to the brain and blood, and other body systems break down. I dont want you to think about the EASYway to Service Connect Sleep Apnea anymore. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 8 0 obj Theres so much information, so many Veterans, and so much delay that it sometimes feels like this battle will never end. Chills and night sweats as well as low-grade fevers. Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can have a huge impact on a persons life and those around them. My sleep apnea is worsened when I lie on my back and I still have loss of breath. presentit neatly andpersuasivelyto the VA. BVA denied VAbenefits for sleep apnea in 76% of the appeals. I want you to think about the BEST path to proving that sleep apnea is service connected, and the BESTway to get the VA sleep apnea disability rating you are entitled to. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. If you or a loved one suffers from CFS do not be afraid to report symptoms to your doctor. In the U.S. it has been acknowledged that more education needs to be provided to doctors and nurses to give them the skills to detect CFS sooner for the well being of the patient. If you have central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea, the approach will be a little different since the science is different as well. Below is the schedule for rating . It's almost as much work - and it can often take as much dedication. Take a look at the Sleep Apnea eBook when it comes out I think you will find a lot of informaiton that will help you understand better the many different paths and proofs for service connection of Sleep Apnea. CFS is also known asSystemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID)and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is characterized by extreme fatigue without explanation from any other underlying condition. I can teach you: * HOW toproveyour Sleep Apnea Claim for any ofthe 3 types of Sleep Apnea you have. If youve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low ratingor youre unsure how to get startedreach out to us! LIFETIME Subscription to the Veterans Law Blog, Quarterly Subscription to the Veterans Law Blog, Annual Subscription to the Veterans Law Blog, there are 39 medical conditions common among Veterans thatcan cause or aggravate sleep apnea, result of other disorders or medical conditions, Sleep Apnea is going to be as big an issue for our current generation of Veterans. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. endstream Make sure to have your sleep study done. Learn what youve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation youve earned for your service. However, if you use one, it does provide you with a higher rating. In fact, there are three distinct kinds of sleep apnea obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea. And I found that MOST Veterans with Sleep Apnea claims and appealsfit into 1 of 4 common scenarios. The cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is unknown; however, there are a few theories as to what may cause this condition. I cannot get the sleep apnea connected. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 A medical opinion will be necessary to show these causative connection, and you will want to first service connect the sinusitis, and then argue that the OSA is secondary or argue that the OSA is secondary to the bronchitis. Since there is no cure for CFS the treatment focuses on relief of the symptoms. Secondary Service Connection A/8un$zjHNSPU%=8HF Z*v@l(?6Nx/ 2023-03-04T21:20:56-05:00 Broadly, it's defined as the occurrence of five or more breathing-related "events" per hour, measured by polysomnography (sleep study). * Can Agent Orange cause Sleep Apnea? The Veteran was granted entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder in a May 2016 rating decision. Medications can be prescribed that help with depression caused by living with CFS, also low dose antidepressants have been shown to improve sleep patterns. I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. People with sleep apnea are four times more likely to have depression than people without a sleeping disorder. We share our top tips and a step-by-step guide to a successful claim for obstructive sleep apnea! That's what Veteran Lee G. did - Lee's VA claim changed when he read my Sleep Apnea book: "Chris gave me the knowledge to file a claim for Sleep Apnea. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. *A good medical understanding of the unique CAUSE/ORIGIN (what doctors call etiology) of YOUR sleep apnea. I only have 50 days to file NOD, or file a BVA appeal within 1 year. Microsoft Word 2010 Many veterans receive wrongful denials when they apply for service connection for sleep apnea. about the threat of COVID-19 endobj I spent nearly a yearresearching Veterans and their Sleep Apnea claims. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that must be satisfied for sleep apnea secondary conditions to prove secondary service connection: The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records, assuming you do have a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Broadly, its defined as the occurrence of five or more breathing-related events per hour, measured by polysomnography (sleep study). They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. I am also service connected for chronic bronchitis with a rating of 0 %. Contact Us Even a previous diagnosis may not be accepted by the VA without a sleep study. VADisability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue, Fatigue not relieved by sleep or bed rest which was not always present throughout life. They are ALL experiencing a Perfect Storm of Sleep Apnea problems: breathing disorders, mental health conditions, heart conditions and diabetes are all causing an epidemic of Sleep Apnea in our Vietnam Veterans. This is because the fact is that many veterans suffer from PTSDand sleep problems are a common symptom of PTSD. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Many civilian doctors have NO CLUE what a Nexus letter is or the importance of it! endstream I spoke with DRO via phone for 5min confirming she received my NOD and evidence. hbbd```b``"A$,^&d4dZ0;LI`2A`6H9!`qF' 0 Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. 7 0 obj Newonset of debilitating fatigue severe enough to reduce daily activity to less than 50% of the usual level for at least six months. One of the most straightforward ways to achieve service connection of a particular disease or disability is to show that you had that disease or disability while in service. Thats what Sleep Apnea does while you are sleeping, you stop breathing. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Also, to check for the cause of fatigue a doctor may do physical examinations such as an exercise stress test to check on the function of the heart and lungs. See R. at 8-9. Veterans whoare looking for the easy way to get sleep apnea service-connected will not find it in my opinion, there is no such thing. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. % After that knee replacement, he could no longer lift weights;thesudden weight gain the resulted caused his obstructive sleep apnea. Even if youve been denied before, its not too late! It occurs when airflow is impaired repeatedly during sleep due to blockage in the upper airway. Then, watch this video of a former C&P examiner revealing her tips for getting your sleep apnea service-connected! Thats what Veteran Lee G. did Lees VA claim changed when he read my Sleep Apnea book: Chris gave me the knowledge to file a claim for Sleep Apnea. Whats the VAs Problem with Sleep Apnea? What the doctor may do is multiple laboratorytests to rule out some other underlying cause. *To prove your Sleep Apnea is service connected without a sleep study in the military? %%EOF However, most of the time, sleep apnea is a secondary claim. Once diagnosed the more difficult step is required, which is proving the service-connection for sleep apnea. If I accomplish one thing in this post, it is to change the way thatyouthink about yourVA Disability Claim for sleep apnea. I filed to reopen my SA claim in 2016. Tender lymph nodes usually in the neck and underarms. Will be some time before answer but getting all the info I can. Just think about our veterans from older eras. You do not have to be prescribed a CPAP machine to be service-connected for sleep apnea. Medical opinions will be CRUCIAL, as these are not NECESSARY connections. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. 38 U.S.C.A. That is how I suggest you handle this situation. If you are already service-connected for your knees or your back, you are likely not as active as you once were. The first requirement which must be met to satisfy the VA is a sleep study. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Which primary disabilities make the best claims for secondary service connection of sleep apnea? If you need a lawyer, fill out a contact form at the law firm of Attig Steel: https://www.attigsteel.com/contact-us/. 3 Steps to Veteran Disability Benefits for Sleep Apnea, 6 Tips for Your C&P Exam for Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD, 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Insomnia (The Insiders Guide). The BEST Path to Proving Sleep Apnea is Service Connected. Sleep apnea is extremely common among veterans, as the disorder is frequently caused or exacerbated by time in service. I believe the two are connected. If you use a CPAP machine, then this should warrant a 50% rating. Whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to the Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. I talked to several doctors about the causes and limitations of sleep apnea. While its not really hard to prove service-connection of your sleep apnea, its most certainly not easy: you are going to have to put in some work. In order to establish direct service connection for sleep apnea, a claimant must show that they have: a current, diagnosis of sleep apnea an in-service event or illness/injury a medical nexus or link that shows the veteran's sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness. A medical nexus (i.e., link) between their sleep apnea and the in-service event, injury, or illness; Once service connection is awarded, sleep apnea is then rated under 38 CFR 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847 - Sleep Apnea Syndromes (obstructive, central, mixed). YEP!!! Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. No current medical diagnosis (within the last 12 months), or improper diagnosis, #3. Sleep studies can be done to rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or other sleep disorders preventing restful sleep. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Excessive daytime sleepiness is the most noticeable signal for those who live alone. Can I Get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Depression? I want you to think about the BEST Path to proving Sleep Apnea is Service Connected. Elizabeth M. Walsh appeals the Board's denial of service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea. z`tsd#Ex>@"A"M@+5;$ Sounds easy enough, right? How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed? Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 As this represents a total grant . How to Hire an Attorney For Your VA Claim or Appeal. History of studies and lab work showing the doctor ruled out other possible conditions that may be causing the same symptoms, Nonexudativepharyngitis (swelling of the back of the throat with no mucus), Tender/palpable lymph nodes (neck or underarms), Fatigue lasting longer than 24 hours after exercise, Neuropsychological symptoms (burning, numbness, tingling sensation, sensitivity). Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Learn how your comment data is processed. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Need a C&P exam for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD? Another theory is a hormonal imbalance because elevated hormones are seen in the blood work of those who have CFS, but the importance of this is unknown as well. A couple things you mention are worth exploring: Damage to the nasal or breathing passages, like chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, can cause OSA. Emerging research indicates a strong association between PTSD and sleep apnea.The link between sleep apnea and PTSD is likely due to the fact that many factors that aggravate PTSD also aggravate sleep apneaincluding sleep deprivation, insomnia, hyperarousal, and daytime sleepiness. Its over 165 pages long, and took 9 months of research. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. For instance, if you complain of being tired all the time your doctor may order blood tests to check for anemia, diabetes, and hypothyroidism all of which cause fatigue. I have had cardiomegly X-rays while on active duty. When seeking service connection, veterans will generally need to submit the following to VA: A current diagnosis of a condition; An in-service event, illness, or injury; and, The third part can be satisfied with a nexus Letter from a qualified medical professional, as noted above. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Finally, please remember that email may not be secure and may be subject to review by unwanted intruders. What about PTSD? Veterans Court reminds the VA: the BVA must adjudicate the logically related informal claim. Unfortunately, VA does not always apply the law correctly. See our article Burn Pit Presumptive Conditions. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. For a true diagnosis of CFS the patient must also have one of the two following symptoms: There are other symptoms that some but not all experience: Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be a bit tricky and understandably so because there is no set test to make the determination. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Source: Department of Veteran Affairs Regional Office New Orleans, LA. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. Youll need to make the call on direct service connection versus secondary service connection. protected, calm and informed Readers should not act or rely upon any information contained in this web site without first seeking the advice of an attorney. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side. Thanks to additions to the VA presumptive list, you may be able to presumptively service-connect rhinitis, sinusitis, rhinosinusitis or asthma if you served in particular theaters during specified time periods. Want More Information about VA Sleep Apnea? endobj How you mix them is the hard part. Even if yours is obstructive sleep apnea like we discussed here, there are still other ways to service connection other than proving you had sleep apnea in service.