VA Proposed Updates to Sleep Apnea, Mental Health, Tinnitus VA Ratings
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- VA has announced proposed changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) specifically pertaining to VA claims for sleep apnea, tinnitus, and mental health. VA says this change will make VA ratings for these conditions more aligned with current science. Tune in to learn what these changes are, how they will impact disabled veterans filing VA claims, and the impact on those who already have VA ratings for these conditions.
Read VA's Press Release Here: blogs.va.gov/VAntage/100285/v...
VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea: cck-law.com/blog/how-does-va-...
VA Ratings for Mental Health Disorders: cck-law.com/types-of-va-disab...
VA Ratings for Tinnitus: cck-law.com/types-of-va-disab...
Learn More About CCK: cck-law.com/why-hire-cck-for-...
0:00 Introduction and Overview of Proposed VASRD Changes
1:40 What is the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)?
3:10 Sleep Apnea VA Rating Changes
5:19 Tinnitus VA Rating Changes
6:54 VA Mental Health Rating Changes (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, etc.)
9:00 How Are These Changes Going to Impact Disabled Veterans’ VA Disability Compensation?
10:53 When Will These VA Rating Changes Be Implemented?
Feel free to ask questions, give us feedback, or request new veterans' law topics below! And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss future videos. Visit our website at cck-law.com.
Thanks for watching! What are your thoughts on these proposed changes?
🤔 👍
I listed my thoughts on their open commenting section for proposed changes on the VA site. But I don't feel this is helping veterans at all, and like always VA is looking at new ways to save money and increase their bank roll not veterans.
For someone who developed sleep apnea while on title 10 orders and have a couple of years to retire, I am not happy to see this proposed plan. It seems like I would be left out in being compensated. I'm curious if I could turn in paperwork to VA to be "grandfathered" in with current rating?
This is not helping veterans at all. Veterans are already having hard times to claim benefits and disabilities. They want to destroy veterans life, period.
Hey CCK team, would you mind posting the links to the Proposed Rules on Regulations.gov in your video description/info so we all can quickly find where to make our voices heard?
Link to Regulations.gov for the Proposed Rule AQ72 - (Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus) ENT, and Audiology Disabilities, Respiratory System; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions:
www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0009-0001
Link to Regulations.gov for the Proposed Rule AQ82 - Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Mental Disorders:
www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0010-0001
On desktop site (as opposed to mobile layout), the Regulations.gov site has the blue comment button on the left side.
Thanks!!
It's sort of ridiculous that a service connected condition that is being "controlled" by medication or a device you have to strap around your head would change the veteran's rating... It's torture wearing a CPAP mask - especially for those with PTSD. It's like having your hypertension rated at 0 because your measurements are good when sucking down two different control medications. But if they checked them without the meds, it would be off the charts. Bottom line is you have to use something the rest of your life to compensate for a condition. If that's the case, you should be rated at your condition without the control element... just my opinion as a simple minded peon.
I take 4 meds for HBP. I was denied also😢
They gave me a CPAP then later said it wasn't service connected lol. I had to get a attorney involved back in Aug. The VA finally have me a CMP for it in April 2024 LOL
The Va is well known for disapproving disability claims for reasons that defy logic. The VA should pay the Vets attorney fees whenever the Board rules in the Vets favor. It seems Vets have paid a high enough price as it is.
Believe me I’ve been turned down three times for my claim. Two years since I retired and still haven’t received one check.
@@kplvnejp -They are just waiting for you to die. Problem solved...
When the truth is revealed in the UK soon the biggest cover up in history that the vaccinations regime was experimental the government involved will need feel pockets. 5 nations out of 36 nations given vaccines only those 5 nations became ill. The truth will be revealed very soon, our veterans minister Johnny Mercer is in the process of being investigated by the police. Watch this space.
If the VA has the additional threat of having to pay legal fees if the Vet wins then they might NEVER rule in the veteran’s favor.
Im currently suing the VA because they owe me a lot in monthly compensation and thousands in back pay. So sad how they can send ample amount of money overseas yet cant pay thier Veterans what they are owed.
Whoever' is suffering from tinnitus, contact dr ogbebor herbal centre on his CZcams channel, he can cure you with herbal medicine.i got my cure from him.
Me too! Amen 🙏 Brother!
😎👍🇺🇸☕
How do you sue the VA? I hope it works for you.
Don't ever give up trying, and get yourself lawyers that care, My lawyers got me to my 100 in less than 4 months, although I had already started the process myself prior. Call them and fire yours if they suck. Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law and don't worry that they are from out of state, I am in kY and they were in Wva! Good luck!
@@TM-lq1qf Get a lawyer who specializes in that field. See the government has no issues with sending trillions of our tax dollars overseas but yet will screw their veterans out of money every chance they get.
Tinnitus really makes me crazy. The constant ringing makes it hard to understand people and I never get a moment of silence. Strange they don’t see it as a mental health problem.
Plus they are taking it away
I spent years on submarines and yet I did not qualify for the hearing conservation... I have permanent ringing in my ears because of the constant loud droning noise the sub made.
@@msdarwin04 Sorry to hear that. Thanks for your service. I think anyone who can do a sub should get double pay and extra benefits.
I mean it's a horrible thing each day is worse
I spent two years on USMC sea duty circa 1974 which included crewing a 5 inch 38 or the director. My ears would ring after each live fire. At some point the ringing quit stopping. Plus, a lot of 03 infantry rifle quals and live fires several years after that. My son told me at my age of 67 there was such thing as a disability for the tinnitus. He helped me apply and I got it. But he had to go thru Iraq PTSD and other health issues himself to find that kind of stuff out. The INFO is not willingly given as it should be by our GOV.
Thank you for clarifying these changes and how they may or may not affect me.
Va doesn't want to pay Vets
but they have proposed a $500,000 cap for the Doctors..... as of 2023
Great lawyer Christian! They are working on the claim we won! Thank you for your great service to veterans.
Thank you for this information! It empowers me specifically, and now I can help others with similar situations as well!
It's surprising (not) how "able to work" or "work setting" is even considered for mental health. As someone rated for mental health reasons largely due to depression I can tell that I can function quite well performing my duties while I was in. But it's when I left work which caused problems. If the first sergeant showed up to your home and finds you killed yourself due mental health reasons then that's a disability because you are ate risk. Now, translate that to the civilian word, no one's coming for. Not the business, not the boss, manager, coworkers etc. If you don't show for work in the civilian work force, you're fired and replaced. Not reached out to, not provided time, resources, and understanding, nothing. "What about health insurance?" You might ask, well you still gotta pay down payments, you can't take time during work hours unless you use your already limited sick or annual leave. Basically you are disposable. So any reduction to mental health ratings will very likely see a lot of veterans suffering or dead.
100% PTSD, snoring, a year on CPAP didn't work. new test on a CPAP 3hr I was dying for the next year ER, ER, ER I asked for INSPIRE went to Stanford stopped breathing 50+ times blood O2=72. The VA said "we have to run more tests" I'm 78 now and have been abandoned. Can't walk can't sleep or stay awake. I just want to die. My advice is, don't go into the service. I LOST ALL MY STRENGTH!
Thank you for the up dates 👍
What an incredible amount of talent put into marginalizing the effects that vets with tinnitus and sleep apnea have.
All these people who sit around thinking how they can reduce money given to veterans are working within the VA system or else in the political system and they are all collecting pensions at the expense of veterans who are suffering
@@dampergoldenrod4156 exactly
Next the va will say those soldiers that lost a leg in service won't be compensated because they gave the vet a cane and he can work taking ticket at movie theaters. . Wtf?
I’m an accredited county service officer in TN. We had a training session yesterday that went over this also. The mental health changes seems like it is going to be a double edged sword. The VA says it will help veterans get rated for mental health but looking at the rating criteria, I don’t really see it. I expect to see these to go live by June-July timeframe
It looks like we are year delayed.... I wonder if the PTSD/Mental health will be delayed b/c it MIGHT be better for vets (lol) But it will be important for Vets to really look at Tinnitus as a potential sx related to TBI/PTSD (see my other post--but I'll repost it here: tinnitus is a sx of possibly other things that people might want to claim... For example were you exposed to blasts, IEDs and knocked out; OR dazed and Confused from the IEDs, Explosions (Kicking in doors with blasts--and being at close range to the blasts like many of our operators did.). TBI evaluation is warranted. Get a buddy letter stating you were exposed; you can write up your own statement but support it with your service record, perhaps other data from the deployments (or training exercised under combat/combat like conditions... b/c you also want to try to get whatever you claim under combat or combat like conditions). PTSD b/c of events themselves might have occurred immediately OR it could be delayed-- like until the present b/c of the worse hearing issues, migraines, and other problems related to those experiences. If you are having brain fog and memory issues then you may have the TBI (post concussive syndrome ) which will need to be evaluated, BUT the PTSD might now be reactivated b/c of the pain from the high hearing pitch that will not allow you to sleep, or the migraines that interfear with life BUT also now bring back bad memories from your deployments (or training). So you see you might have other things to claim: Just not the Tinnitus, HTN, Pain/headaches, perhaps some orthopedic issues, but the PTSD and TBI. Doc (Col) S.
tinnitus is a sx of possibly other things that people might want to claim... For example were you exposed to blasts, IEDs and knocked out; OR dazed and Confused from the IEDs, Explosions (Kicking in doors with blasts--and being at close range to the blasts like many of our operators did.). TBI evaluation is warranted. Get a buddy letter stating you were exposed; you can write up your own statement but support it with your service record, perhaps other data from the deployments (or training exercised under combat/combat like conditions... b/c you also want to try to get whatever you claim under combat or combat like conditions). PTSD b/c of events themselves might have occurred immediately OR it could be delayed-- like until the present b/c of the worse hearing issues, migraines, and other problems related to those experiences. If you are having brain fog and memory issues then you may have the TBI (post concussive syndrome ) which will need to be evaluated, BUT the PTSD might now be reactivated b/c of the pain from the high hearing pitch that will not allow you to sleep, or the migraines that interfear with life BUT also now bring back bad memories from your deployments (or training). So you see you might have other things to claim: Just not the Tinnitus, HTN, Pain/headaches, perhaps some orthopedic issues, but the PTSD and TBI. Doc (Col) S.
Thank you- I'm a veteran with PTSD- am working, some, but driving, which is part of my current job (transporting healthcare patient to and from daytime care) is difficult due to panic attacks/stress of traffic, and I've stopped using highway and, instead, using sideroads, which takes longer, uses more fuel, but reduces the number of panic attacks. Blood pressure, previously low all of my life, has gone through the roof lately, presumably due to recently moving and now having protracted transport time on the road, because I live so much further away and have to spend so much more time driving (3 or more hours per day.).
Don't know yet how these VA changes might affect me, but it's nice to know you guys are keeping track of it all. Thank you!
O ok k look no
You’re grandfathered in.
And I feel ya, Im way more weird around people than I was before 10 years of infantry
@@chief5981 Thanks, Chief- yeah, weird around folks who've no idea what it's like. Wish you well, my brother!
@@LindaB651 Likewise.
Same here! I can't drive on highways and need to take sideroads. It is stressing and physically draining.
I wish you would've addressed the proposed changes in, respiratory illnesses such as the FEV-1 maximum for a 100% rating was 40%, but now the threshold is 45%, this make is more advantages to obtain.
I was also under for nearly 4 years for surgeries and care for injuries from while on active duty, finished all my physical therapy stuff shortly before they said my PTSD went away, then was told I could go back to work, that then is when my rating was finally reduced.
yeah, they do that if you are not getting better then don't say that you are, they hinge on your every words, sad but true.
The biggest change with this announcement is the pronunciation of "tinnitus".
Wonderful dialogue, informative, correct. Thank you, I've subscribed
I am glad that I got out early and is receiving my compensation but pretty sure the process is going to be harder for my spouse who is still active duty
Could you guys post an updated video as to the current status of the purposed changes.
I xuffer from tinnitus to the point I have trouble hearing on one side, as a result of gunfire while on the practice range, my hearing was damaged bad so I am listed for 20% just for the tinnitus plus the damage to the right knee only 40% in total. Some of these changes would help me in a big way.
Just saw your discussion on Benefits change. I have been a PAP machine for overt 5 years. Never knew it was a rated disability why does this happen. Been represented by VFW and disabled veterans they never mentioned this. I am now waiting to get a shoulder replacement but could not get a reply from DAV. I don't understand why they are always trying to fide ways to short change us.
file on your own then if you lose hire a top accredited attorney
Unfortunately, both organizations are grossly over worked. VFW and DAV don't get paid to short change you. Your service officers should have been more thorough. Should have read your C file. Your doctor or respiratory provider should have told you as well. I hate to see this happen to anyone. Last advice I give a vet is to go to an attorney. But, I'm inclined to agree go have a sit down with a GOOD veteran attorney. In fact look up the *peer to peer ratings* for attorneys who specialize in VA compensation in your area. If your attorney isn't on that list, change attorneys.
@@northerncoloradotransparen1454 I just got hired on as a VSO for the VFW. If you want to try and submit a claim again, contact me and I will do what I can to connect you with a VSO in your area that can help.
Great info! How do we combat these changes, if that is possible! There has to be some phone call, email, snail mail actions that can be taken to defeat these proposals!
Hope this helps.
VAntage Point Blog link to the announcement of these changes:
blogs.va.gov/VAntage/100285/
Link to Regulations.gov for the Proposed Rule AQ72 - (Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus) ENT, and Audiology Disabilities, Respiratory System; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions:
www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0009-0001
Link to Regulations.gov for the Proposed Rule AQ82 - Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Mental Disorders:
www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0010-0001
On desktop site (as opposed to mobile layout), the Regulations.gov site has the blue comment button on the left side.
why do would you want to combat a set of changes thats going to help veterans
This will not help veterans it will only prevent them from getting full amount they should get. O wait that is already happening. This will just make it worse.
The same way they add a new condition claimed to a previous condition and will only give rating for one of those conditions and the many other ways they ensure veterans continue getting the short end of the stick.
No I don’t blame the va at all. It’s above them. Everyone blames the va but the va is not making this criteria they are only following it.
What’s a typical timeline for a change? Curious when we could see a ruling and if changed, is it effective immediately?
The va denied my tinnitus claim even though it was very much service connected due to combat. The ringing has been getting worse over the years despite using hearing protection when necessary. It also makes it incredibly difficult to fall asleep. I actually have to have background noise to cancel it out. It's possible that it may also be a contributing factor with my chronic migraines. I'm currently at 90% for other various issues and the 10% would put me at 100% which is why I think it was denied. The va is a joke and I hate dealing with them.
Don’t you get IU? And adding 10% to 90% does not mean you get payed 100%. I have more than 100% but get 90% and IU.
Migraines cause tinnitus. A migraine is when the brain gets a surge of a chemical from the hypothalamus gland, that triggers a major serge in electrical nerve signals, which triggers a rush of blood to the head, then the body recognizes the mistake and shrinks the blood vessels. This causes inflammation in the vessels and nerves. The nerves being inflamed often causes ear symptoms and tinnitus is that. Migraines aren’t always manifested in head pain. You have a threshold for the reaction, many things are triggers. Foods, smoking, drinking, stress, changes in sleep, hormones, sexual climax. Go on the Johns Hopkins migraine diet with advice from doc and take b2 and cOq10 if doc approves. I went from daily tinnitus and other migraine symptoms to none with no meds bc Johns Hopkins.
To get 100% P&T from 90%, you got to get 50% of other conditions
That was my exact experience too... back in 2016 had confirmed tinnitus but it mistakenly got lumped together with some hearing loss I claimed that they say I didn't have any so they denied my claim for it and that 10% would have put me at 100% as well. They make you really have to fight to get compensated for issues that were from serving our country... we are useless to them now so why should they care I guess. Not looking for now damn pitty party either js. Sucks seeing other Vets, my brothers and sisters having to deal with this type of behavior.
I normally agree that the VA is a fucking joke, especially when it comes to pain management. But I just went to audiology 2 days ago and it was the first time I felt like the doctor actually gave a shit and presented me with all the possible options to managing my tinnitus. Obviously it can't be cured, but at least, with this, they seemed to want to help.
That said, at least I'll be able to better hear my groaning from the pain they refuse to treat.
Where can the public provide feedback on the proposed changes?
My Sleep Apnea (connected) was reduced (50 to 30 ) because I received an INSPIRE implant and not using a CPAP. The Inspire is an implant that is used when CPAP isnt working or intolerable (to replace CPAP). A person has to "qualify" for the implant. So surgery is required for the Implant with 3 incisions to include one on the front of the throat. The implant will send a "shock" to the base of the tongue to open the airway to help me breathe at night. So I have an appeal in since 2020 because I feel I shouldnt be reduced, I still require a device to aid my breathing while sleeping.
Thanks for the info. I will not ask for the implant now even though the CPAP isn’t helping. My sleep apnea is my highest so if it lowers my entire overall percentage will drop drastically. And history proves that P&T is not P&T, which I’m 100%p&T. I’m not risking this
@@koalafan1576 I wouldn't either. The fact that he had surgery to implant one and they lowered him baffles me. If anything I would increase him. VA really does hate us
@@koalafan1576 Some Breathing apparatus for apnea have been recalled and some cause more lung issues due to the filters in them.
Does the implant work for you? I'm thinking about getting it
Check out for yourself the filters in the Cpac machine were causing cancer.
Sleep apnea even with treatment (use with a machine) is something you have to use for the rest of your life why wouldnt that be compensated like it had been.
Because it’s based on employment impairment. If a CPAP relieves your sleep apnea by allowing a proper sleep cycle, then the rating should be commensurate.
@@samm1462 well shouldnt it be based on life threatening conditions as well and imparing of life? I have heard of people dying from sleep apnea also again still have to use a device for the rest of your life or risk health complications
@@Heavenorhell2012 ppl who don’t have sleep apnea and don’t get the compensation that comes with it will ALWAYS say that the rating is too high. It’s not that they think it’s too much, they’re just salty at the fact that they can’t use it
Because it’s a way for them to deny more claims.
This is one of the main reasons why I've told my children not to enlist into any of our military branches because this current goverment of ours does want to to anything to help Veterans who've volunteered their services for this damn country.. ....I am a veteran so I can speak ill will of this POS Goverment that we are currently under.. however it will remain this way until Veterans really start to speak up and call out these senators publicly and asked them why are you people trying to proposed and adopt these changes...You can't have the poor me attitude of they know this isn't right and they owe they owe me. No the Veterans has to contact the Secretary of the VA Denis McDonough and find out who's proposing these changes and why aren't you doing or saying anything about it...or are YOU the one proposing these changes...As much as they try to make it uncomfortable for us Veterans we need to throw it back at them and make them uncomfortable by our responses ..just sitting around moping ain't doing jack s..t !
The problem with this shitty government is that 90% of them have NOT served in the military. It is the ones like Tulsi Gabbard that knows how to serve their veterans because she has served herself. We need more vets in office and less Karens and Brandons in there.
Regina Moss, I let VA in DC know the issues. Coincidentally, I’m no longer being helped for my medical issues at my local VA. If we came together as a group ex class action lawsuit things might change.
At my VA the workers get to see our doctors (a conflict of interest) and most vets go to the local urgent cares for treatment.
For the Sleep Apnea, they are not accounting for the cost of running the equipment, care, and... what happens if you have a power outage or develop a respiratory issue because of the cpap?
Does anyone know when these changes are to go in effect? I filed a claim back in February and they just approved me but something seems severely off and I’m just wondering if it’s because I fell into the category where they’re screwing us. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2007 before I got out of the military but they did not tell me that I was diagnosed until about 10 years later when the VA called me to do a recertification. That’s what I was told I had severe obstructive sleep apnea, so I filed a claim back in February and they gave me a whopping $2800 of backpay. Can anyone offer me any advice, should I get a lawyer?
My question is if you already have those types of disabilities and they send you back for a reevaluation within 5 years will it affect it then
Not sure , But i think it depends on if the reevaluation is because you filed something new . Or they did it on there own .
I think many here would like to know when these changes might take effect. Could you please help to address this with updated timelines?
Any update on these changes. I am currently in decision phase for my va increase for my PTSD. Currently at 50. I contacted the va to ask about these proposed changes and they had no idea what I was talking about.
Is there a potential, during a reevaluation appointment, to have your rating % changed, due to the potential rule changes?
My husband us a 21 yrs navy veterans. When he joined the navy he is a 100% physically and mentally fit. When he was still active i never heard him complaints of any medical issues related to his service until the later part of his service he told me that something is bugging noise on his ear. I advised him to seek help in the clinic but not aware if he followed my advised. in his 21 yrs in the navy he spent mostly his years in sea duty and one tour only on shore duty here in San Diego. To cut the story short when he retired , my husband tried to apply for a VA benefits due to his tinnitus 2X but both of his application was denied due to medical condition doesnt exist in his medical report. He did tried to see a doctor at naval medical clinic because of this ringing on both ears, but the doctor told him he doesnt have a tinnitus based on their exams. His ringing in his ears is getting bad that he needs to use an earplug at home even while his sleeping. I believe he also has a sleep apnea and snores very loud that I myself couldn't sleep because of his snores , even his eyebugs almost looks like a panda. He is still working at North Island (NAVSEA) he lost interest and very disappointed about the benefits his trying to get for being a veteran. He served a healthy military guy but left with disability. Where is justice? Just asking. Any advise can you gjve? Thank you.
Where does hearing loss fall IF connected to tinnitus and/or TMJ
This video is 8 months old... Have these prosed changes went into effect?? Thank you!
Where could I find updates on AQ72? Realistically, how long would it be for these changes to go into effect; if approved?
i have chronic obstructive sleep apnea the one that can kill you were you stop breathing and can not get it service connected or rated. plus just in the 2 and 1/2 years that i worked in gainesville before i quit working i had 27 jobs documented each with dates times and reasons for leaving majority was fired for nor being able to con trol my anger /anxiety outbursts ordepressive issues and attendance with y current ratings for my tinnitus, left knee pain and ptsd i am at 80percent . ive triedfor 100percent due to the job issue which the va doesnt see as a problem. i was a mechanic but i worked at every delership in gainesville and have been fired now . i even tried for tdiu and cant not win it. i need help my attitudes towards people arent getting any better in fact they are getting worse. my therapist will contest to that . any advise here would be appreciated
I’ve worked federal rulemaking for the army as recently as last year. I’ve seen what government agencies can do with public comments following the Notice and Comment process. Under the drive of even a single highly motivated individual in that agency, those comments can be completely ignored with no recourse for those it affects. And you’d best believe that there is institutional momentum behind the changes being put forth in an agency’s proposed rule, so it’s almost always going to happen.
I turned down the cpap to unconfutable to wear at night. I can tune out the sound sometimes but 97% of the time its so loud and annoying!!! I tried working again...panic attacks where off the charts. Almost like vertical (needing support of a wall to walk) and add intense angry.
We need to write to the VA and make sure these changes don't happen.
They're constantly working in opposition of what we need and should have access to. They do not want what's best for us. They want what's best for them. Bottom line. I'm tired of getting screwed over at every turn and having to fight tooth and nail for scraps
VAntage Point Blog link to the announcement of these changes:
blogs.va.gov/VAntage/100285/
Link to Regulations.gov for the Proposed Rule AQ72 - (Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus) ENT, and Audiology Disabilities, Respiratory System; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions:
www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0009-0001
Link to Regulations.gov for the Proposed Rule AQ82 - Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Mental Disorders:
www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2022-VBA-0010-0001
On desktop site (as opposed to mobile layout), the Regulations.gov site has the blue comment button on the left side.
You can publicly comment. Sleep apnea with a. CPAP shouldn’t be automatically 50%. The rule changes that, should be. I always thought this generous rule was rather absurd.
@@samm1462 it effects livelihood. Sleeping with a cpap machine HORRIBLE. And it’s an automatic 50% rating because you can literally die in your sleep and sleep itself has changed for you forever
@@samm1462 the reason Cpaps are issued is sleep apnea causing lack of oxygen to the brain. Lack of oxygen causes several issues to other organs along with migraine headaches due to the lack of oxygen. No one can live without oxygen so saying that’s absurd is not cool just educate yourself more is key too all ailments that you know nothing about😎
I have a question. When connecting Anxiety or Depression to Tinnitus as a Secondary claim do my Nexus letters and or Diagnosis need to be from a LCSWR or a Psychologist? All in all whats the best way to proceed? Like should I get the diagnosis then get a Nexus letter and file ?
This is a travesty. Veterans paid the price. Congress needs to pick up the tab.
I've been separated for 20+ years, with 30% rating, but just recently diagnosed with apnea and tinnitus. Is this something I should try to add to my rating and get a reevaluation?
will we get a notice from the law office pertaining to when it is implemented - I need file ..WAITING will we be grandfathered in or how long do i wait
So, i have sleep apnea, depression, anxiety and chemical dependency. I have to travel 120 miles round trip monthly for mental health treatment with no compensation. Not even fuel money. Have been doing this since 2007. What am i doing wrong?
Will the VA put out no later than dates. ea: veterans starting claims after feb. 15 fall under the new system. Before fed. 15 will fall under the older system.
Answered all my questions thank you for the knowledge also if your t and p and leave overseas and can't go to a va hospital anymore what could I do to keep up with my records or not loss my va I'm 90 percent IU at 100 for 5 yrs now and SSID I got told if I don't ask for any other ratings it won't be touched
Tinnitus is really bad for me. I applied for disability but they told me that I was not a candidate. I am wearing hearing aids now, as my hearing has become worse, have had them for only 3 weeks.
Ive required a b pap since 2002 for severe sleep apnea. I am at 50 percent for a back injury I received during service. That was awarded in 2012. I had no idea I could file for sleep apnea until recently. Does it make sense to file now for sleep apnea? The VA issued the bpap in 2015.I needed a new machine because my origional machine issued by a hospital in 2002 was getting too old.Would they increase my precentage for this now?
I have a question, I am 100%, but I have quite a few ailments which are not rated or 0%. I was to get these rated incase I have rated related complicated death. Can they take away my present% for a service connected compensation even if I did apply for it?
On the subject of Tinnitus I have read and viewed different videos on the cause of Tinnitus and it's not the ear but in the brain receptors damage related to the hearing.
There was one man who had his ear operated on because of the loud ringing and found nothing wrong with his ear!!! Need to find the cause and not a bandaid like drugs!!!
I've this Tinnitus for years. Some days it's not so bad and there days the ringing is so loud ... So been trying different supplements. They help a little.
NEED TO FIND THE CAUSE!!!
I’ve had sleep apnea since 2009, and have been receiving BIPAP and equipment for many years; yet the VA framed the sleep apnea as not service connected. How can I get that changed?
Lay evidence goes a long way. You need to show the stressor occurred during service. Get an old GI buddy to vouch you snored is a good start. If not documented hard to connect. Find a local VA lawyer. Do your research on his credentials. Good luck
I have been denied twice for Sleep Apnea...not service related the said...not in my medical record..who goes to sick call for snoring...
When will these new rules take affect?
When do we find out IF this is going into effect or not? I know its proposed and Have written in opposition, But when do we find out if its dead or alive?
What about people who are still applying for these benefits? Will they be lumped into the 0 rating? Or only after it's officially made law
I was denied sleep apnea and rated not service connected even though the VA didn’t recognize SA as a condition until 1984 and didn’t start giving it a rating in 1989! I was issued a CPAP by the VA and have been using it since 2017! I served in the early 70’s don’t understand why it’s not service connected but still prescribed a CPAP by the VA!
when do these changes go into place?
SO if I have a rating now and go in for a re-evaluation, will my rates potentially lower due to the changes?
How do I get a service connection for sleep apnea? I want to file a claim but not sure if I can?
I use a cpap prescribed by the VA, I had no issue when in service (1970's) with sleep apnea, to my knowledge. That said can I apply for disability thru the VA? Thanks
I weny on VA .Gov and learned they Combined my Hearing Loss(new claim) and and Hyperacusis& Migraines(Both secondary to Service connected to Tinnitus). Is that good or bad. ???
My med records were lost so I can't get any rating for all three of those conditions. I'm a lower class person because I can't get service connected anything with lost records.
Is there a way to provide comments even though it's beyond the 60 days?
When do these go into effect?
I got 0 percent and use a cpap. They said it wasn’t combate related.
Any news on when these changes will be implemented? I am retiring next year and after the initial announcement last Feb there have been zero updates on when this will start. Huge impact on current active duty members getting out, because it will likely drop me below the 50% threshold which means as a retired vet I won’t get anything at all.
Current AD here. Just did a 2nd sleep study and concluded that I do not have sleep apnea.. 1st time get no results bcuz I couldn’t sleep= not enough sleep hrs. However I’m constantly having issue sleeping since recruiting duty, also only breathing through one nose. What are my options? Love to hear personal xp from anyone.
Thank you for your service ! What makes you think the Military gives a toss about used cannon fodder ?
Does anyone know when this will get approved? As we all know this will get approved. But it's only a matter of when?
They need to change the appealing process. Having 1 year to appeal is bs. These changes are not to help Veterans, this is deceiving as hell.
One of my appeals took over 10 years.
will these changes effect my claim for mental health if i filed for a claim back in 2021
Interesting..I'm 90% disabled and have had an impossible time getting my last 10%..I already know the formula used is not normal and basically to getting last percentage I would have to be almost in a vegetative state..having 2 lawyers here, is there a way you can help?
Jose, go for the TDIU, it's much easier than that last 10%!
File for Unemploymentability rating...you will then be compensated and treated as 100 percent
What’s TDIU stand for? Thanks.
I got out in 2013. Went to VA for sleep apnea in 2015. Not receiving compensation for it. They did give me a cpap which i use every night and can barely sleep without it. Camping i wake up every 30 min and piss maybe 5 or 6 times. This year i went for tinnitus they did diagnose and cited that intended to seek VA care from my separation physical. And my dad who got out in 1994 and was denied compensation for a skull fracture recently was urged to go back to VA and got 50 percent he urged me to take the PTSD questionnaire and i went in and was rated 30 percent 40 percent total. I think veterans should come first and foremost to any foreign countries aid for their war or pay checks
When is this going into effect???
Kind of wish migraines were given a second look. I'm glad TDIU exists, but man, chronic migraines are pretty brutal.
I have a 30% rating for my migraines
Migraines can currently go up to 50% if they last more than one day, occur at least twice a month, and impact ability to function at work.
I have migraines service connected.
Chronic anything is brutal - esp if it is due to Sarin gas exposure. Eats us up from the inside out.
I just filed for TDIU. Good luck everyone.
From what I am reading, I am rated alright. I hear ringing all the time with occasional migraines and sleep apnea, which makes me angry about not being able to hear what's going on around me. The VA told me I had hearing loss and they gave me hearing aids.
I listened to the beginning of this. The fact that the government is giving an individual a code for what their disability is - IS ATROTIOUS! Everyone has to deal with their disabilities in a different way and a freaking code can't be assigned to that. If that's the way the government is treating individual veterans, then the government should start to rethink what they are doing to military personnel that served their country and paid the price.
If I submit my va claim with sleep apnea this month through the BDD process but VA doesn't finalize my overall rating until after the new changes go in effect will I be grandfathered into old rating based on when I originally claimed?
on the mental health disorders. How will undetermined (due to covid delay) PTSD claims be handled? will it be under as the rules were when claim was filed or under the new rules when a rating is determined?
when determined
I’m trying to understand why my claim for husband who had service connnection for PTSD, Sleep Apnea, Hypertension. On death certificate organic heart disease and sleep apnea was denied. He also wore hearing aids. Im drowning here. Please help me understand
I would lawyer up .
When does it take effect..Is it a date or it's in effect now.
My name is Whitey Collins and I was on a Aircraft Carrier USS America CV-66 and my hearing was going down while I was on and aircraft with planes taking off and the landing was right over where my unit sleeps
I am 50% based on service connected issues. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and the VA provided me with a CPAP machine. The also provide me with the supplies to keep my machine working properly. However, nothing was ever submitted by me or my servicing VA clinic. If I am reading this correctly, I should be at 100% if sleep apnea is now rated at 50%. m I correct in my thinking?
No. Your sleep apnea has to be service connected, or secondary to one of your service connected conditions. Then, if your sleep apnea is rated at 50%, that would be 50% of the 50% you have left to reach 100% which means 25 would be added to your 50% giving you 75% which rounds up to 80%.
I just applied on April 6, 2022. Will these changes effect me?
So, i found out that i might have been rendered infertile through military service, but am only discovering it 13 years after getting out. I haven't felt capable of maintaining a steady relationship long enough to considered children with someone until basically now, but for the last 5 years, i've been trying especially hard to conceive and simply cannot. Come to start connecting various dots, and it seems there's a chance that a side-effect of a vaccine for anthrax might have played a part, but i have literally no idea how to go about getting the ball rolling.
Why does it seem like seeking help or support or adjustments from the VA is specifically geared in such a way that those who got out with mental situations are less likely to be able to reasonably get the assistance needed?
Will a condition be reassessed if an increase is filed especially for secondary conditions? For example, if you have tinnitus as a stand alone disability at 10% and you're rated for migraines secondary to tinnitus at 10% or 30% and then file for an increase to 50% can they take away both conditions since tinnitus isn't going to be considered a stand alone condition under the proposed changes?
Idk.how they can take tinnitus away..your telling me the ied going off under me didn't cause my ears to ring,or the gun shots.The thousands of hours listening to static from the radios..What about the 3M claim.what a sca
Will it affect secondary claims associated with tinnitus?
should I do a secondary claim for migraines to tinnitus before the change in case they take it away
If you have prostrating attacks definitely. If not you'd just receive a 0 rating.
I would suggest ALL Vets put in claims for anything they have before they get screwed...again!
It's great to see the VA making moves in a positive direction. On some of its compensation raining practices. That means there's hope. The changes that I speak of need to be made in the area of additional benefits for veterans who have achieved 100% rating. For example the one-time vehicle Grant, changes need to be made in the area of retroactive accountability for example I was medically discharged from the Marine Corps in 1997 after having knee surgery for medial meniscus tear which made matters worse. I followed through with my appointments had my MRI done which show major abnormalities in my right me at least that's what it says in report from the VA doctor performing the MRI . That report was not included in my rating because the VA lost the images they looked around the entire Hospital and since they couldn't find images rated me at 0% that was in thousand 1998 and appeal after appeal and evaluation after evaluation police turned up the same results it seemed that when the time came for evidence review the new evaluations were ignored and the old evidence was used Time After Time until 2020 when I appealed to the board of appeals pointing out the specific evaluations that had been overlooked including the report from the MRI saving I have major abnormalities in my knee which the VA lost the images 4. And I was only awarded 2-years retroactive pay and that Still remain service-connected and a rating of 0% due to its handling of my evidence by the VA. They have the report made by their own doctor way back in 1998. Those the change things we made the VA should not be allowed to turn a blind eye or decide on their own internally . even though it's their mistake and mishandling of crucial evidence. That I deserve to be denied retroactive benefits dating back to the day I was discharged. They have my service medical records which has all the evidence of the surgery that the military messed. They have everything they need to make a fair decision. Will they no I tried. And been dealing with it for over 20 years and the best they could do was 2 years back pay is it me or is that sounded more like organized crime. I'm not very good at math let's ride around $700,000. A Lot of changes need to be made. How does the saying go. You'll never when when your opponent gets to decide what rules they follow and which ones they don't. But you have to be missing limbs just to get a grant to get a vehicle . Sorry about the novel of a comment. Hopefully my story can help other veterans avoid having the same thing happen to them.. Semper Fi
There’s nothing positive about the changes to sleep apnea
Normal
Been in system since 1968
The only thing that has changed is the appointments.
Back then when you got there you had to pick up your Med for File and go to where they were having the clinic and put your Folder on top of. Files on top of the pile of folders on desk.
I had to drive over 110 miles on 2 lane roads into Albany to the VA HOSPITAL.90 percent on Route 7 and then get on another 2 lane road that turned into Streets and lots of Red lights to get to Albany Stratton Hospital
Had to drive through every town and couple of Cities.Then set in a big room Full of Metal chairs.
I myself have had to wait for at least 8 to 9 hours to be seen.
Then we got Interstate Highway 88 Putin from Binghamton, NY to City of Albany, NY
1 hour and 45 minutes one way.
A while after that they gave appointments and times. Most times wait times appointments where on time or maybe 20 minutes. On the Rare occasion you might wait for Half hour to an Hour. For me it was like almost a 100% better than 6 to Eight hours.
Records or test results have been lost or misplaced. ALWAYS GET A COPY OF THEM WHEN YOU HAVE THE TEST OR SIGN FOR THEM TO BE SENT DIRECTLY TO YOU AT HOME. That way they can't ( misplace them). When I have comp case I've always had it done down towards New York City area. Once in a while one has ended up in Buffalo, N.Y. AND I have them sent right back to NEW YORK, CITY AREA.
The last thing is when. You go to a V.A Consular "If you feel like they not being aggressive or shuffling paper around" get another one. Or talk to a VFW REPRESENTATIVE, THEY HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION.
BUT DO NOT STOP FIGHTING IF YOU HONESTY HAVE A GOOD CASE.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR THE PRESUMPTIVE THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH AGENT ORANGE, GOLF WAR, BURN PITS, CAMP LEJEUNE WATER DISEASES
There is a lot of information you can look up and verify.
Semper Fi!
My husband is 71, and just getting started with the VA & benefits. He has tinnitus, sleep apnea, using cap, & now seeing mental health clinic. How would these changes effect him?
And he has acquired hearing aids through the VA
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea 2008 but i was denied and not service connected.
Have you tried filing it as a secondary?
So I have tinnitus and my hearing is acting worse I am having trouble hearing sometime this has my hearing is like on and off and ringing in my ears are hurting me in and off
?From lower back surgery I was put on OxyContin for 10 years the VA supplied me then took me off put me on Methodone now for 10 years I’m under behavior should it be another rating under mental? I’m 70% with unemployable 100%