How to Get Sleep Apnea VA Disability Benefits
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- 0:00 Introduction
0:21 What is sleep apnea?
1:02 Does it affect your REM cycle?
1:18 Different Types of Sleep Apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and Mixed Sleep Apnea)
1:56 Sleep Apnea Symptoms and negative effects on Veterans
2:54 Sleep Apnea and Depression
3:22 Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, and more
4:06 Why is Sleep Apnea important in VA claims?
5:10 How do you get Sleep Apnea documented for your VA claim?
5:31 How do you file a VA claim for sleep apnea?
6:02 How do you get sleep apnea service-connected?
7:03 Can you do secondary service connection for sleep apnea?
7:51 Sleep Apnea and PTSD
8:58 How does the VA rate sleep apnea?
10:30 100% VA Benefits for Sleep Apnea
10:43 Common Issues with Sleep Apnea Claims
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Speakers
Natalia Jofre - Chief Operating Officer
Rachel Cheek - Attorney
I forget to breathe while I’m awake so i probably forget to breathe while I’m sleep too.
Honestly the best formative video on sleep apnea on CZcams. Thank for the information.
Thank you for this video!!
Great information so well to know exactly this condition. Nice day.
Thank you very much for your time and posting.
Glad it was helpful!
The VA should expand within the criteria with an alternative for direct SC and consider granting without diagnosis DURING SERVICE, as long as there is ANY ANNOTATIONS in any of the military records that merit a sleep study like, “sleep problems, sleep disorders, sleep discomfort, anything sleep negative”. It’s a common misdiagnosed disability, especially in the military...
The issue is people aren't allowed to go to sick call or the doc while in..That's why the Veterans Justice act needs to be passed
We had horrible hours grabbing sleep whenever we could .We never thought about going to sick call unless in severe pain.
Thank you I needed that information
This is so important
Thank you ladies for taking the time to educate an entire community. I appreciate you both! I'm currently going through the separation process. I started using the CPAP machine in 2017 and I developed type 2 Diabetes over time. I was officially diagnosed this year. How would that work for me? Will they give me disability for both in that case?
Hi Dagmar, sorry for the delay. You are able to get a rating for both conditions. You'll just have to prove how they're service connected. Sleep Apnea and diabetes do have some sort of link so you may be able to look at secondary service connection (SC) where one SC disability contributed to a secondary disability, either causing it or worsening it. Here's our video on secondary conditions service connection: czcams.com/video/eedaA0vBV28/video.html
Awesome info folks. Thanks.
Secondary to ptsd! Ty for saying it!!! It is real, normalize and accept it ( talking to you VA)
To see how the VA rates see 18 CFR, Section C. It might have the exact wording you need as well as the %
I have sleep apnea and have cpap and got scheduled for a c and p telehealth. I'm 70% for ptsd and this was a very informative video hope it goes smoothly for me!
Heh Judd, how did it turn out? Im looking to do the same.
@@shotkrav i got 100% it was easy with the right evidence
@@parkerjudd7814 what evidence do you need to provide to get 100? With ptsd and sleep apnea? I’m on that boat.
@@storm_sd the VA sent me to a civilian dr for my sleep study. So I went back to them and had them right me a nexus that ofcourse ptsd sleeping patterns can imped you getting proper sleep apnea treatment. So I had them write a nexus my regular dr write me a nexus and then my c and p examiner basically wrote me another one in the report.
@@parkerjudd7814 did putting in for OSA secondary to your already connected ptsd trigger an exam for your ptsd, or did they just leave you alone?
Thank you !
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching
Please do a video on asbestos exposure, and secondary conditions.
How can I get a sample copy of the Nexus statement for Tinnitus and Sleep apnea
I have ptsd, a diagnosed sleep apnea, and a cpap. I really need to apply for this service connection.
Don’t sit on it! I kept on and went from 30 to 70%. If you got tested while active duty, no reason not to get it!
You’re missing out in a lot of money friend
I have that exact same issue.
I wasn’t diagnosed while I was in the army but I was after chaptered out due to PT failure! I wonder if can get benefits due to my lack of rest & strength due to not being diagnosed while serving
Hi Hill and Ponton. You guys have been a lot of help for me. I had a question, I recently completed a sleep study in active duty. I completed the test on 30 sept 2021 and separated active duty end of Oct 2021….if my sleep study showed I had sleep apnea why would my C and P exam want another sleep study? Any advice is appreciated
I could have used this when I was initially going through my discharge review. I was diagnosed with a "slightly deviated septum", without any testing for sleep apnea. About 8 years later, the VA did test me, since my normal sleep period was about 4 hrs a night since the mid-90s. They found severe apnea but wouldn't allow me to get the initial diagnosis updated or changed, as it was past the time period of contesting the initial findings. Funny how you just about need to know every possible medical condition prior to going through the review process, as you need to already know what's wrong before they evaluate you. Military doctors aren't really looking for actual problems with active duty members. It seems that is particularly so when dealing with critical career fields. It's changed a bit since then, but there are still noticeable differences as various VA sites seem to differ on their findings. One evaluator was curious why I didn't have a higher rating, but attempts to get it changed were all shut down without considerations after I found out about other problems that may not have been properly identified or evaluated initially.
Hi John, we are sorry to hear about the frustration you have dealt with. If you have a rating that you would like to appeal, please feel free to give us a call at 407-537-9000 to see if we can help. Thank you!
@@HillAndPonton It's been 20 years now and I've basically given up entirely on the VA. Besides, the critical records I'd need for the other items went up when the volcano went up in the Philippines, before Clark AB closed. No records and nobody who could attest to injuries sustained after falling off a mountain. Thanks for the thought though.
@@Chu6um to be honest, you don’t really need to have your records, they’ll find them. I’ve filed for claims & didn’t have mines
Im issued an APAP and diagnosed with mild sleep apnea/OSA. Is that similar to the CPAP and will I get a similar rating? Or should I request a CPAP for a higher rating? Thanks in advance.
I was diagnosed and given a CPAP through the VA while I was still in the reserves. This was shortly after returning from deployment. Should that be enough to get it service related? I don’t understand why they would give me a CPAP if it wasn’t service related.
So the nexus letter, is that something I can get with my primary doctor at the VA or the doctor that reviewed my sleep study? I have PTSD, anxiety and insomnia with a 60% rating. I completed both sleep studies showing I have a mixed case of sleep apnea that requires a Machine to help me sleep. The only part of this process that’s confusing to me is the process of liking it to my ptsd.
I worked as a machinist mate on a battleship and I hardly go any sleep and when I did sleep I would snore so loud my shipmates would be mad. I had to wake up at odd hours and was always tired. I got out in 1991 and they wasnt talking about sleep abnea then so its not in my records. how do I get the va to accept my claim
Can you be rated for both sleep apnea and insomnia or does that fall under the same umbrella
I got diagnosed with OSA a year ago while being on active duty. I am progressing from a dental device to a CPAP after the dental piece didn’t yield positive results
I’ve had the home sleep study as well as the in person one done. All of which is noted in my medical record. The primary care doctor recommended the CPAP as the next step. Is there any possible way the VA can find this not service connected? Is a nexus necessary when the diagnosis and symptoms manifested during service?
I understand what you are saying. I have filed a claim for OSA in 2018, it was denied so I applied again in 2019 and my was forwarded to the appeals court. I had video connect with the judge last July. I received a letter that the wanted a report from 2015 when I was first diagnosed at Jefferson University Hospital. I provide them with the letter,also a letter from my current sleep apnea doctor. As of today March 20, 2023 I looked up my claim and there 41,000 plus ahead of me it's been five years. Can you help me? I was awarded 50% for PTSD so I filed OSA as a secondary to PTSD!!!
I have a documented complaint while in service reading " problems with sleeping" and was not treated or anything further addressed. I had a sleep apnea diagnosis after I was discharged with Cpap. what are my chances of getting service connected for this ?
I am service connected for wpw heart syndrome could sleep apnea be secondary for that? Diagnosed with it after I got out of the military.
I was medical boarded out in 2005. The VA had me go through a sleep study in 2011 and it shows that I have Obstructive sleep apnea. As part of my service connected list, Panic Disorder diagnosis for 10% initial was raised to 30% after 3rd party evaluation. Since my diagnosis of OSA, I have had panic attacks while using the apnea mask due to trauma during deployment in Korea in 2001. My wife had also observed that I had increased snoring issues and would at times stop breathing a few seconds at a time after returning from Korea. When this was brought to the attention of the VA in 2011, that is when a sleep study was ordered. Does this mean that the 2011 diagnosis for OSA and the panic attacks while using the anea mask can be tied together to get the OSA added to my disability? Thanks in advance.
I submitted a claim for my Back, PTSD, GERD and Sleep Apnea. I just received a letter from the VA, denying the PTSD and Back portion. What does that mean for My issues with GERD and Sleep Apnea? (FYI, I have Hypertension that is at a 0% rating).
What is the letter from the doctor called ? Nexus ?
a broken nose during service and a current diagnosis of sleep apnea will grant u sleep apnea secondary service connection
This is interesting because in 2013 my Psychologist stated that I had Sleep apnea due to my PTSD and I did a sleep study they scheduled. When I did the sleep study the doctor said my sleep apnea was due to Obesity and at the time I was only 185 lbs at 5 foot 6 inches and 32 years old. So my obesity level was minimal at best. I also have ratings for orthopedic conditions which literally cause me not to be able to work out in certain ways... One specialist stated that I should be doing push-ups anymore because I could tear my shoulder. I have been in chiropractic services for years and physical therapy as well. Yet they denied my claim for sleep apnea and I failed to appeal it even though I was given a CPAP machine and have been using it ever since that study to this very day...
Have you appealed?
@@USMC.OIF.Vet. My claim was around 2013-2015 - I didn't know I could appeal then, and no one told me I could - so I never did back then.
Well file again then
diagnosed with SA vascular problems due to agent Orange, How do I get this SA service connected
Very informative video I berley sleep on a daily basis...
Can sleep apnea be service connected through Hyothyroidism, which I am rated for at 10%?
Where is the best place to locate medical literature supporting sleep apnea as a result of PTSD. Thank you for your time.
What if it started in service but no medical diagnosis, but do have two buddy letters from roommates ? Is that enough
Hi, question? My VSO filed my Intent To File some 7 months ago. If I file a fresh ITF does it delete or nullify the 7 month old ITF? I have a sleep apnea claim pending for 2 months. Reading my healthy vet online I am seeing VA internal requests for med opinions from VA experts with responses containing the les§ Likelies pointing towards denial. Odd they opine my military jaw surgery, a part of my orthodontist treatment plan for correction of Class II bite, VA medical opiners are saying was to correct for structures effecting my airway…Mandibular A.P. Maybe the military maxillofacial surgeon listed to jump through hoops to clear the way for him to rack up a lot of these surgeries before getting out into private practice. At this point, would an Uber-strong nexus letter from an expert strengthen my case before final decision is reached? Maybe getting VA deniers to weigh evidence getting me to equipoise? As we know, VA is in process with announced proposed changes to glut the OSA compensation ratings…to save money? Sounds despicable right? Please weigh in on effect of a second nexus letter to go with my PCPs mild but clearly as least as likely as not medical opinion letter. I love your vids, but need an expert to pilot me through va claims process. I have only had VSOs, but am overwhelmed fighting depression, anxiety, chronic pain and Radiculopathy w/ MRI in 3 days. Can you opine, refer or help. No one wants to be left behind…VA Judo is so hard to do. Thanks.
I got a sleep study done, diagnosed sleep apnea, and a cpap, all while in service.. yet they are saying it’s not service connected. Idk how to fight taht?
is sleep apnea directly related to PTSD or is it more of a result from the medications that are prescribed for the treatment of PTSD? If it is, would it not be more financially beneficial for the veterans affected to seek punitive damages from the pharmaceutical companies involved?
I've noticed sometimes where I wake up suddenly from not breathing. Hopefully i can get this claimed along with my PTSD
This helpful information for veterans. I do have obstructive sleep apnea and utilize a CPAP machine. I did develop diabetes after I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and was declined my claim for sleep apnea by VA. What can I do?
WOW. That is my exact situation right now.
If denied, you'll have to first understand why it was denied. Are you missing evidence of an in-service event that led to the sleep apnea? Are you missing medical evidence of your sleep apnea? Attorney Matt Hill talks about sleep apnea fairly frequently in our live shows. Unfortunately, VA does not seem to like awarding service connection for sleep apnea at the regional office. Many of those claims are denied quickly.
So I had a sleep study done, and got a cpap. Yet the VA denied it saying it wasn’t service connected. I need help. :(
Worked with JP-5 jet fuel in the navy. Recently diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Great information as always but please fix the microphone sound. There is too much echo.
Can sleep apnea be secondary to sinusitis
I’ve had all three
I have 30% for asthma and 60% over all and was diagnosed with savere sleep apnea the VA provides all my Cpap stuff but
denied my disability clam as not survice related how do I get them to approve my sleep apnea claim?
Secondary to your asthma which she stated, which you are already have service connected
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea from the VA. However. My VA doctor said it could be caused by various things. He would not give me an evidence letter.
Hello,
I retired about 10 month ago. When I did my request for compensation VA gave me a 0% service connected for obstructive sleep apnea. Now VA just sent me the CPAP machine. Is this sufficient to request a claim and not get denied? Should I put it as primary or secondary to other issues I receive compensation already?
Thank you in advance
If your sleep apnea is already service connected, you need to send a claim for increase now .. with the cpap it will bring your raiting up to 50% 👍🏻
I was just awarded 50% ptsd and sleep apnea was deferred. I did a private sleep study and have been using a CPAP machine prior to my claim. Any suggestions on what I should do now with the deferred sleep apnea?
Hi Rich, we recommend checking out video on Deferred Ratings here: czcams.com/video/qK0op3xr2hE/video.html .
I just had a sleep study done I have obstructive sleep apnea ..secondary to PTSD I stop breathing 122x a hour on back and 25 x on side. in appeals for PTSD now
Hi Warren, please feel free to reach out to us at 386-257-2100 to see if we may be able to assist you. Thank you.
DAAAAMN!!!! You should AUTOMATICALLY be rated at 100%. i’ve seen Veterans that stop breathing between 75-90 got 100% after their first try.
Recently, after 20 years out of service, i was diagnosed with sleep apnea by the VA and told me that even that long period, they’re going to connect it to the service. Being a Machinist Mate on a Aircraft Cartier, i see why.
Also, what helps me, my doctor said i am not 100% to drive commercially anymore. So now, my condition is messing with my livelihood. You might also want to apply for SS Disability also. A lot of Veterans got that at the same time also. A lot of stuff that don’t tell us Veterans.
Completed the sleep study and am 88%-89% at night and was denied...not service connected.
My test results showed that I stopped breathing 639 times and the longest duration of nt breathing was 87 seconds. I'm classified as extreme sleep apnea.
How can my husband get rated from sleep apnea, since we live in the Philippines and travel to Manila is strictly prohibited due to covid 19. He snores loudly, pauses breathing and wakes up w headaches in the morning, with low energy. Wakes up in the middle of the night then sleeps for a few hours. Has low level of energy and dizzy always and headaches
Please feel free to visit our website and contact us directly for more information. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with OSA while on active duty. Subsequent to the, I have been on anti-anxiety meds because I would wake up with panic attacks due to not breathing. I was awarded 50% for OSA subsequent to retiring. Do I have a claim for secondary effects because o this condition?
Hi Randy, we are sorry to hear that you have been struggling. In regards to your question, can you please clarify what you are wanting to claim as a secondary condition? Thank you.
I am thinking that I might be able to claim the panic attacks as secondary. I would go into panic attacks while sleeping and wake up with it. I would not be able to breath. I could inhale but not exhale. I went to the emergency room because of it. I didn’t know what was going on and I thought I was going to die. I got to the place where I was afraid to go to sleep. On that fateful night, Effexor was prescribed by the ER dr. I have further clinical proof about the panic attacks. I went to the navy hospital in Portsmouth for a sleep study which showed that I was having panic attacks in my sleep. What do y’all think about this as a secondary claim?
Can I work if I get a 100% sleep apnea rating?
I am using a cpap now, I am still in the service. What other steps I need to follow to ensure I will have this disability?
file your VA claim before you get discharged with the medical evidence. This should be explained to you during your checking out....
Just A. Name just make sure that everything is in your records and that somewhere in there it says you’re required to have a CPAP as long as you have that it’s required for you to have a CPAP in your records it’s an automatic 50%
Documentation is what I wish I did while in service. Documentation. You want that paper trail.
Is it possible to get compensated for having both sleep apnea and hypersomnia?
Do you currently have an open claim? If so, please feel free to give our office a call at 386-257-2100 to see if we may be able to assist. Thank you.
My VA doctor told me I don't have sleep apnea, beacuase I only wake up four times a hour when it would be at least 7 times a hour if it was sleep apnea.
Hello how do i get help to appeal for my claim. It has been through the higher level and has been denied. Thank you
Hi Ellen, please feel free to give us a call at 407-537-9000 to see if we may be able to help. Thank you!
I applied for sleep apnea secondary to my back issues. i presented court cases that were won with this issue. The VA declined my case due to sleep apnea not service related. They did increase my evaluation from 70% to 80% for my back and depression. Do you feel I have a true case with this?
Hi Mark, we are sorry, but we would not be able to legally advise you on your case. Your best option would be to consult with a Veteran's Service Officer or Veteran's Advocacy Group. Thank you and we wish you the best.
How did you get depression for back pain? What was the percent on depression? I recently got approved for my claims and part of my claim is back related. Last question, do you have work restrictions? I’m afraid to apply for anxiety/depression if I get work restrictions.
Working on the flight deck of a aircraft carrier with all the jet exhaust fumes is the cause of mine. Can’t prove it thou !!!!
Sleep apnea as secondary to tinnitus disability rating?
Did you ever get an answer to this? I saw other posts on this and trying to figure out how to do it.
I was in the Army in the early 80's , I'm sure this is where it started but it was not known at that time, Very few knew of sleep apnea then, How can I prove service-related back then
If your service treatment records don’t show an event for sleep while in active duty, it will be really hard to prove it and get it service connected my brother
I was denied for PTSD and been on a CPAP machine for over ten years I have received two machines from VA and CPAP Study I am 60% disable can I get to 70 %
Hill & Ponton my claim was denied for PTSD
But I just saw that sleep apnea is a possible thing I should explore I call tomorrow or Wednesday
Thanks’
My husband is a Vet. He is 60 percent for kidneys and diabetes linked to agent orange
At this time we are waiting on new evidence he submitted to exposure of Agent Orange
He had severe apnea and had surgery at the VA to remove tonsils, adenoids and the Uvea that hangs down in back of throat. They also did surgery on his nose sceptem at the same time
My question is, can apnea be connected to his diabetes which is connected to Agent Orange?
He is trying to get 100%
Hi, my husband is in similar situation, what happen with your claim???
@@irmabenavides6287 disappointing news
His new claim was denied
I am sorry to know that... we are working in his case and how to link his SLEEP APNEA to his multiple service conect medical problems.
What if you have symptoms of sleep apnea in service documented? (migraines, nighttime reflux, ect.) Can you get service connection based on symptoms alone?
In order for you to become service connected for Sleep Apnea, a sleep study must be performed with the result of Sleep Apnea and it must be shown to be service connected. I hope this information is helpful and I wish you the best in your claim.
@@meredithhpmoderator713 I have a diagnosis and have been issued a CPAP. I wanted to know if I can service connect my sleep apnea by using the symptoms that's been documented in my service records. I have complaints of sleep, morning migraines and night time reflux which are indications of sleep apnea
@@P8860 Yes, you can file a claim but service connection requires the sleep study as discussed above.
My insomnia is so bad I can’t sleep long enough to get a diagnosis for sleep apnea and I’ve taken three.....What do I do about this???
We are so sorry to hear that you are struggling with sleep. I have linked an article with information about ratings for Sleep Apnea here www.hillandponton.com/how-the-va-rates-obstructive-sleep-apnea/
Unfortunately this means that you can only be diagnosed with insomnia. Maybe you can take a sleep med or remedy to help you sleep for a sleep study. Good luck.
didn't once mention Burn pit registry.
What about secondary to depression and anxiety?
Hi there, there is research showing a connection between PTSD and Sleep Apnea. It sounds like it may be worth looking into if you're struggling with depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. Here's our written blog on sleep apnea: www.hillandponton.com/how-the-va-rates-obstructive-sleep-apnea/
@@HillAndPonton my depression and anxiety is secondary to an orthopedic issue. I'll be in contact with you all. I'm in the process of getting a sleep study test
What about being expose to jet fuel ? I did not start having sleep apnea till after 50 years old. Back in the 70s and 80s we just burned waste fuel at end of runway.
You can also claim weight gain that was caused due to mental health medications which causes sleep apnea.
I did a home sleep study after the VA sent me a home kit and they concluded I have mild obstructed sleep apnea and sent me a CPAP.
I’ve used the CPAP a few times but sometimes it gives me headaches.
My VA claim is still in progress but will they deny me or reduce me down to 30 or 10 percent if I’m not using my CPAP? My understanding is that you can get 50 percent when a CPAP is required but now I’m thinking they may not give me anything if I’m not using it?
Did you ever get an answer?
@@kayclark5475 not quite.
They denied my sleep apnea claim due to no active duty service records.
However, I got a call today from the sleep doctor that wrote my nexus letter and it will probably be here next week so I will be filing a supplemental appeal for sleep apnea. Then, we will see if they mention lack of use for my CPAP. I do try to use it at least 3 times a week though and the longest being 4 hours straight.
What about Canadians?
If you take CBD/THC to assist with sleeping, you can get 100% disability because too many employers still test for both.
How????
I am in the National Guard right now. However, I was on Active Duty a year ago
During this time, the VA diagnosed me with Sleep Apnea. I did a sleep study and was issued a CPAP machine while I was on Active Duty too. I filed a claim in March and I am waiting to receive a rating. Does my Circumstances mandate a 50% award ??
i applied for sleep apnea secondary to ptsd and my claim was denied in 2 weeks!!! i had a dbq and a nexus letter from a private dr.
Wow !
Did you ever appeal their decision ?
50% of what number? Thanks.
Hi Brian, the attorney is referring to the 50 percent rating for Sleep Apnea. Our website states "50 percent: the veteran requires the use of a breathing device, such as a CPAP machine."
What about sleep apnea secondary to chronic sinus conditions?
We've seen that sleep apnea is linked with varying health conditions. It could be worth pursuing if you can prove it with medical evidence.
what can u do if u served in 1985 - 1988 when sleep apnea didnt exist
If you believe that your Sleep Apnea is related to your service, it may still be possible to get a rating. We have a great blog about how the VA rates Sleep Apnea that I have linked here www.hillandponton.com/how-the-va-rates-obstructive-sleep-apnea/
why is my service connected disability for sleep apnea 0%
I get 50 for sleep apnea and 70 for ptsd, 10 for my right knee, what else can I get, they have me at 90 right jow
My sleep study was done before I got out and I didn’t get the ptsd until last year and I got out in 09
Tinnitus, headaches, allergic rhinitis
P
Worthless information since I had a sleep test and I suffer from sleep apnea and the VA denied me benefits
With the echo and poor recording, it would have been so much better in a bathroom scenario! Both of you sitting on toilets with wall in between.
We filmed a more thorough and more up-to-date video with better equipment here: czcams.com/video/SlnRzoO2_wk/video.html
The video was great but too many "ums" "ums" "ums" "ums"
Alfredo Ramirez through all the ums I got the message
I like them. It makes this video seem more authentic and not just a rehearse skit