I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: Therefore, veterans who are service connected for sleep apnea can become secondary service-connected for their GERD, and vice versa. The VA rates IHD between 10-100%. If your VA claim was denied, we may be able to assist you. People with sleep apnea who underwent coronary bypass surgery had a higher rate of complications than those without sleep apnea. This sleep-disordered breathing leads to poor sleep quality and is a risk factor for the poor quality of life. Two disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea and diabetes would seem to have no connection at all however the data can be surprising. Asymptomatic sleep apnea would not be compensated under the tentative regulation. Did you know there are more than 40+ conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! The VA will consider the severity of the veterans symptoms. Check out our Philips CPAP Recall page here! Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. 26,27 More recent studies have found an even higher prevalence of both CSA and OSA in heart failure patients. One in five adults suffers from at least mild sleep apnea; it afflicts more men than women. Prec. Because the chamber must relax in order to fill with blood between contractions, this stiffness means that an inadequate amount of blood is available to pump to the rest of the body. Medical evidence and documented medical records from a VAC&P exam will be necessary for the process of filing your claim and could even reveal other secondary conditions. Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) In some cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be recommended to help prevent sudden cardiac death. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Believe it or not, buddy statements can be helpful in proving sleep apnea claims if you can find vets who you served with and heard you snoring, or can talk about the issues that led to the sleep apnea. A ton According to medical research, military veterans are FOUR TIMES (4x) more likely to have sleep apnea than the normal civilian population, a truly staggering number. To receive benefits, you will need to file a claim and get service-connected for it. sleep apnea and that must be confirmed by a sleep study (its okay if this You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim. Bringing someone with you to the appointment may also be useful. A polysomnogram at a sleep center might be preferred if you have heart or lung disease, risk factors for central sleep apnea or a history of other sleep disorders. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. This can often interfere with daily life. we represent clients nationwide. According to the Mayo Clinic, Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.. However there are several rules that must be followed in order for this to occur: If the VA does propose a reduction of rating, then the veteran can submit an argument against it. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. To confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis for VA disability compensation purposes, VA requires that a sleep study be conducted. Arrhythmias occur when the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively, which can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. If a veteran does not attend the exam, their claim can be denied. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever condition has the higher rating. If so, how often and how long are your naps? Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. In 2020, Sleep Apnea VA ratings range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 30% and 50%. Once your condition has been approved, you will be able to receive compensation based on the severity of your disability. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that Its important to have your condition documented by a medical professional. So if this proposed change for sleep apnea ratings goes through, its possible that veterans may start getting lowballed ratings. However, in February 2022, VA proposed changes that would reclassify sleep apnea ratings to 0 percent, 10 percent, 30 percent, or 50 percent, with 100 percent for sleep apnea seeming even harder to qualify for. You would need a diagnosis and a medical nexus letter that will link your condition to your service or service-connected disability. Heres the deal Lets begin today's post with the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): It is HARD to get service connected for Sleep Apnea secondary to Depression. You're not alone. The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. Recently, it has been widely accepted by the, According to theNational Sleep Foundation, insomnia is a chronic sleep disorder, characterized by complaints of unsatisfactory sleep, despite having ample opportunity to sleep. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. Is Hypertension Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease? CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. While appellate litigation proceeded, the connection on direct or secondary bases because it did not qualify as a disease or injury. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. See 67 FR 54394. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your Sleep Apnea condition is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 A person must have a polysomnogram, either in a sleep lab or at home, in order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. Tinnitus is known as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Authors If a doctor thinks its highly likely you have sleep apnea, the sleep study may also involve a positive air pressure (PAP) device. Additionally, there are some cases that the VA cannot schedule re-examinations: If you are interested in learning more about C&P examinations, check out our guide! There are many common conditions that can be caused or aggravated by sleep apnea. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. ==> Click HERE to apply for FREE:www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com <==. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. A 60% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.1 to 5.0 METs. Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University. A 100% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.0 METs or less. Most often, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such ashearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. 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. For instance, which pages you go to most. Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. you were on active duty, and furthermore, you probably didnt even know what Click the button below to start for FREE. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Some of the most common secondary conditions include sleep apnea, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and valvular heart disease. Do Heart Stents Qualify for VA Disability Benefits? Sometimes the VA will schedule re-examinations to determine if there has been an improvement with a veterans sleep apnea has improved. Below is a non-exhaustive list of common conditions linked to sleep apnea: Asthma is a condition that affects a persons airways and makes it difficult for them to breathe. Repeated surges in blood pressure levels can damage the lining of the blood vessels, and sleep disturbances can also raise levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and other blood fats. What Are the Different VA Heart Condition Ratings? Theres no data that shows the average VA rating for ischemic heart disease. Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect people who have experienced or witnessed trauma, such as a distressing or shocking event. If you have been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease (IHD), its important to be aware of the other conditions that can occur. Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor. existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or It can cause blood to leak back into the heart or flow in the wrong direction. Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Re-experiencing the trauma through recurrent memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, Avoidance of people, places, and activities that are reminders of the trauma, Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, Difficulty maintaining relationships with others, Thick, discolored discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. The VA assigns a disability rating to each condition based on the severity of the condition and its effects on the veterans ability to work and live a normal life. In addition to being a secondary condition to ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias can also be caused by other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Trials such as SAVE (Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints), RICCADSA (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure [CPAP] Treatment in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea), and CERCAS (Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on the Incidence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Events in Nonsleepy Patients With This is likely due to a variety of factors related to service, such as exposure to noise, possibility of traumatic brain injury, and exposure to explosive devices like IEDs. These sleep disturbances can occur from tens to hundreds of times per night. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Your Sleep Apnea VA Rating A Guide to Getting a VA Disability Rating for Sleep Apnea, Top 10 Questions About Military Sexual Trauma (MST), A post shared by VA Claims Insider (@vaclaimsinsider). service connection: The first part can be satisfied with any Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus. WebLets look a little deeper at OSA for a minute Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by far the most common type of Sleep Apnea that affects veterans. Sleep Apnea as a Secondary VA Claim Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. It can happen multiple times throughout the night, leading to serious health problems like fatigue, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. for active duty military members. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The most common VA rating for Sleep Apnea is 50%, which requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Proposed rating must be based on entire medical history, Must show there has been improvement in veterans functionality, If you have a rating that has remained the same for over five years (stabilized), If you have a total disability rating, meaning 100 percent rating. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The test is usually performed while you are exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is also sometimes known as deep sleep. WebAfter first reading these examples, the obvious answer is that the private examiners opinion in VA sleep apnea claim #2 was what made the difference. The apparent variation in susceptibility to sleepiness, cognitive deficits, and cardiovascular disease for any given apnea-hypopnea index level suggests a need to develop improved measurements of disease and to medical diagnosis of sleep apnea while on active duty and you never did a sleep Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. If your obstructive sleep apnea VA claim, or other sleep apnea claim, was originally denied, you may be able to appeal the rating and receive VA disability compensation. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. denied? Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. After receiving an honorable discharge in 2018, Trisha worked as a growth marketer and utilizes her analytic skills to help others accomplish their business goals. Physicians will treat sleep apnea depending on the type and severity of the condition. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Need an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to help service-connect your sleep apnea VA claim? You're not alone. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. This causes discomfort and inflammation. One of the most common causes of heart failure is ischemic heart disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked or narrowed. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? For secondary service connection to sleep apnea, veterans will need: When filing a claim for secondary service connection, veterans can use the same form as primary service connection (VA Form 21-526EZ). Agent Orange is a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. shampoo for damaged hair. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to, or the result of, a service-connected disability. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is too high. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your doctor will monitor your hearts electrical activity and blood flow. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure, which is greater than the surrounding air, through a mask while the veteran is sleeping. Symptoms of GERD include: Veterans who suffer fromsleep apneamay find that the condition aggravates or causes GERD. Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Research has found that veterans who have chronic tinnitus also prevalently experience sleep apnea. Okay veterans lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and level of impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea. interim link to secondary service connection due to weight gain (obesity). There is no evidence in the veterans service treatment records of any sleep WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)so you can increase your rating fast!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! WebThe diagnostic criteria for a VA sleep apnea claim, found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Search: Dbq Sleep Apnea Secondary To Ptsd. This is because, while asleep, the body may not clear the veterans esophagus as it would when the veteran is awake, thereby exacerbating the veterans GERD. Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. VA rates hypertension the same whether service connection is established directly, presumptively, or secondarily due to sleep apnea. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. The VA refers to mixed sleep apnea as a combination of the obstructive and central forms of the condition. VA Form 21-686c, also known as the VA form to add dependents or the Declaration of Status of Dependents, is a form for you to provide information to the VA about your dependents. If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors for ischemic heart disease. It puts extra strain on the heart and can damage the arteries. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart rhythm disorders, lung damage, and kidney failure. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 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. For now, these ratings are merely a proposal so stay tuned to this page while we update. The signs and symptoms of these three types of sleep apnea tend to overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type a person has. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, sleep apnea as a secondary service connected condition to PTSD, Calculate Your Potential Compensation Now. Sleep apnea occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep, often causing them to wake up gasping for air. There are risk factors that overlap in both disorders affecting sleep apnea and symptoms of PTSD, oftentimes aggravating the conditions. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep. Because of this close relationship between ischemic heart disease and heart failure, its important for anyone diagnosed with one of these conditions to be closely monitored by a cardiologist. While arrhythmias can be serious, most people with the condition can manage their symptoms and live long, healthy lives. Your medical records should include all treatment received for your condition before and after your discharge from the military. In addition, the stress test can also help your doctor determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has. So, heres the opinion of VA Claims Insider: If you did NOT have a sleep study while on active duty and you did NOT get a diagnosis of sleep apnea on active duty, you should attempt to service connect your sleep apnea VA claim secondary to another service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. WebA study of data on hypertension patients in the VA healthcare system indicates that blood pressure control has improved significantly and substantially over time, but that many patients have less than optimal blood pressure control (Borzecki et al. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. Specifically, both anxiety and depression can be linked to sleep apnea. WebNexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. As such, veterans who are service-connected for PTSD are eligible for secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. Knowing what to look for and how to manage these conditions can help you stay healthy and live a full life. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Prior to the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file so they are familiar with the veterans case. 2 3 The main known risk factors for OSA are obesity, male gender, high age, increased neck Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices be resistance among military clinics worldwide from ordering-up sleep studies After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Loved ones like family or close friends could also be a good help in sharing how your sleep has changed. Finally, a 100% rating is available when sleep apnea is so severe that it involves organ damage. High Blood Pressure. Many veterans are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and thereforewith an effective claim that includes the right evidenceshould be eligible for a sleep apnea VA rating. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. They are a leading cause of heart failure and death worldwide and are one of the common secondary conditions in veterans with ischemic heart disease. veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. One type of heart disease is valvular heart disease, which occurs when one or more of the hearts valves are damaged. This machine then allows the upper airway passages to remain open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring. I chalked it up to long work hours, stress from the job, a deployment, and various mental health issues. The obvious answer is the wrong answer. What happens during a C&P exam for sleep apnea? 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. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. (The Insiders Guide). Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. Arrhythmias are a common symptom of ischemic heart disease and can often be a sign that the condition is progressing. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Some doctors may have you fill out a questionnaire about your sleep habits. Is it difficult to stay awake performing tasks like driving, reading or watching TV? Okay, lets explore how you can service connect sleep apnea secondary. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War are at an increased risk for developing ischemic heart disease, and many receive disability benefits as a result. The major problem for your sleep apnea VA claim, however, is that you probably were NOT diagnosed with sleep apnea on active duty. The most common VA rating for Sleep Apnea is 50%, which requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits?
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