I was diagnosed by the VA for sleep apnea and given a CPAP. I submitted scientific studies linking it to PTSD and they still denied me. I also had a not so great Nexus statement from a VA doctor. These sleep apnea claims are extremely tricky. They just don't like approving them especially being diagnosed after service.
I wasn't diagnosed with sleep apnea in service but I did find in my records that I complained about insomnia while in service. That was enough to connect it to my post-service sleep apnea diagnosis.
He makes it seem so easy to obtain your service record. How do I get it. In 1999 I asked for them and they sent me micro fish film. What the hell am I gonna do with that?
My dumbass ignored my wife for years while I was AD, telling me she thought I had sleep apnea. I woke up out of breath and ignored her snoring complaints. I walked around like a zombie for years. Fast forward to 13 years post retirement when my doc talks me into a sleep study that shows I do have sleep apnea. This CPAP has been a huge help. While I'm still an insomniac, at least I sleep solidly with the CPAP. No disability for me yet but this gives me hope.
I like the way you breaks down with the information and I’m so happy that I found your videos on here, and I can’t wait for more of your videos so I can watch them and learn more. Thank you 🙏🏼
Found your video and I also been diagnois with anxiety/depression with a left ankle/knee injury (arthritis) and I have tinnitus. Recently had a duty to assist (error correction) for a HLR filing in Nov 22. Went to a C&P exam after multiple exam cancellations over 4 months. Unfortunately it is a scientific study game (Submitted) and the VA do not always recognize. Awaiting results, already been diagnois with sleep apnea since 2015 and have CPAP machine. This is a waiting game and hopefully I'll receive satisfactory results.
great information, I'm going in for my sleep study in a couple weeks and was worried about getting it service connected. Just got out after 23 yrs. I already have tinnitus and PTSD service connected so I feel better about filing the claim.
I hate that I didn’t come across yours or combat Craig’s pages last year before going with Veterans Guardians 😢. I will apply for your program to continue my push towards 100%.
Great info here, Jordan! I was just denied service connection for OSA. I am service connected for right knee injury and recently tinnitus and now bilateral knee arthitus secondary to right knee. The C&P examiner said that there was no way that a knee injury can cause OSA because OSA is breathing disorder. I was blown away by the arrogance and disregard by a medical doctor. I'm in the appeal process for HLR and will be submitting a supplemental claim if the DRO denies service connection also. They only win when we give up and die. Don't give up the fight my brothers and sisters!
I did exactly the same thing. Submitted a solid Dbq by the chief of my VA's neurology and sleep clinic. The doc doing the ACE exam said surgery and sleep apnea are two separate things so theres no way their related and they went with that opinion. So i filed an HLR and am waiting now for them to call my rep.
I'm shocked that you even got a VA doc to write a DBQ for you. These idiot raters only look at the C&P exam DBQ, nothing else. They only have like 20 min to adjudicate a claim so they end up being trash.@@Bubsgoesscratchin
Hey man, just wanted to say that I appreciate the videos you're making. Also have a quick question as someone who is nearing retirement: For the supporting documents that go along with my claim, are my medical (complete tricare records) sufficient?
You are going to be great, just keep going to medical and seeking treatment for all of your disabilities - always ask for a prescription or a form of treatment at the end. Also there are a lot of presumptives under the pact act and the tera mucmi that about all of us have from the Middle East and southwest asia. The hardest part is getting out and filing a claim with no research on how the va game works and also spending time in and not going to medical - if I could do it all over again I’d be a medical warrior lol because it will all catch up to you 5 to 10 years later.
This is going to help. Thank you I have been on a CPAP since 2014 as a civilian in service there were some ptsd issues but haven’t been service related yet. Had weight gain and back insures in service. I will be submitting for this now I sleep like a baby with my CPAP now have had 3 sleep studies total.
I got physical SC so... hope they will connect that to sleep apnea. I dont know if my mental illness will be linked to sleep apnea besides it making me have no motivation and self esteem to be better
I was diagnosed and with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP while enlisted in the Army National Guard from 2012 - 2017. My claim was denied because I received my diagnosis during a day that I wasn't actually on duty but instead during the week when I was NOT on duty at the guard. I received my diagnosis 2013. Again, it was denied because I wasn't diagnosed during my actual duty day which is typically during a weekend. I am at a total loss of understanding why this claim was denied. Makes you give up and now its been at least two years since I was denied. Any helpful comments are welcome. Thanks!
Any additional information on this would be very helpful. The first thought that comes to mind is split train the drill and go to the doctor and receive your diagnosis on the drill date itself
when you go in talk to the C and P rep ask about how the claim is listed in their system. My Sleep Apnea was misfiled under toxicology and not as a secondary under PTSD. He had already noted not connected to toxicological sources.
Good afternoon! Instead of a VA sleep doctor, I went the private route and got a sleep study done ending up in Mild Sleep Apnea and a cpap prescribed. I’m rated 70% for PTSD and also obese. Should I just get a nexus, prep the statements and submit my claim? Or should I get a sleep study done by VA as well? Thanks.
How long did it take to get a decision? I am in almost the exact same scenario. Apnea with civ diagnosis, CPAP issued, and civ nexus connected to service rated lumbar stenosis and herniated discs (cannot sleep on my sides) C&P examiner did 5 minute phone interview and DENIED. Went to HLR and got DTA error. Now in supplemental appeal for about 4 months with no decision and no contact from VA other than the C&P examiner admitting I have apnea with no connection. Frustrating!!
The VA will decide if they want to pay for another sleep study, you won't really have any say in it. Just like hearing test, the VA tested me twice after I had a good private hearing test I paid for myself.
So I was diagnosed with a Unspecified, Sleep Disorder while in the military. Would that be my service connection for Sleep Apnea? I recently got the diagnosis for sleep apnea two years after getting out. What would you recommend I do? I do have ratings for my back and knee and may go the secondary route. Do you think I should file sleep apnea as a primary claim since I had a unspecified. sleep disorder while I was active duty?
I have a claim pending for OSA, secondary to hypertension. This claim has been denied and has been appealed to the BVA over 5 years ago. Since then I've been awarded 100% P&T in 2020. Should I withdraw my claim for OSA?
Honestly I've seen videos saying don't link it to a secondary and some that do. I got tested when I was enlisted and didn't have sleep apnea. Now that I'm out I did a second sleep study and lo and behold, I have it. I've talked to the doctor about being fatigued and having to constantly chug energy drinks. I'm not overweight at all (I'm skinny as hell) so I'm praying that when I do submit they can see it's connected to service
Wow, brother. You are a truth-teller. I could really use more help with my claims. I think I have been, as you say, playing checkers…but, I love chess! So, how might I go about getting a navigator like you to assist me in the process?
@@ashleymagee8075 Not yet. Still showing to be in review process when I log into VA.gov… but, they did ask me for a form to release non-VA records, and I see that as a good sign…at least they’re looking. We just do our best to remain patient. The win is right around the corner.
I currently have 10% Ankle 50%PTSD, what’s the chance to be able to add sleep apnea on top of my current 60%? Did not get diagnosed while I was in service.
Congrats. How long did that take? I have knee connection and OSA as well. Was the weight gain the linch pin for the knee pain and inability to exercise frequently?
I recently got a 40% rating for Sleep Apnea, PTSD, and Tinnitus. Sadly, I had to use a lawyer after DOZENS of claim denials. I am going for other afflictions this Friday in Chicago. (I have High Blood Pressure.)
Submit one claim at a time until you get an answer…reason being is that after you submit a claim and then another you first claim goes to the bottom of the pile causing longer delays!
I have service connected asthma and sleep apnea and was awarded 50 percent rating. I currenty have migraines at least once a month and unsure as to file a claim or if it would make a difference or would it be a combined rating and the rating wouldnt change ?
I just submitted for an appeal for sleep apnea through the va after the denied me before i was tested again through the va and diagnosed with sleep apnea and now receiving a cpac
What about Central Sleep Apnea? I got a ASV machine (specialized CPAP) from the VA. I also do NOT have my service health records. It was 1980, the Corps told me there's the gate, don't hit the sentry on the way out.
I have service related anxiety can sleep apnea be a secondary. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea through the VA in 2019 but was denied the 1st time because it had been 3 years after I retired. The second time it was denied because I had a normal study diagnosis in 2012. Although I medical records from when I was in the army with sleep issues and prescribed sleep meds. I also submitted buddy letters from former soldiers I deployed with and my ex wife
I don't know about using MH route. I'm currently in year two of my secondary claim waiting for a judge to look at it. I have pages and pages of IME quoting the science and have been denied up the line regardless. I'm still hopeful but at this point I wish I'd gone secondary to back, knees, etc. VA doesn't seem to be listening to the science so far. What really sucks is I was complaining about some symptoms while still in service but apnea was not a diagnosis back then and the VA says I never complained about apnea (which literally would have been impossible).
I was diagnosed after service . Did 2 studies, and they conducted a surgery call UPPP for swollen infected tonsils and sleep apnea correction. The latter didn't work. I still wake up with light headaches and gasping for air from time to time. Plus, my ex would complain of me snoring too loud and keeping her from getting rest, causing her to fall asleep at work. Long story short, i still keep getting denied.
Just got denied sleep apnea although I’ve got a CPAP and an oral device and said that none of it works. I also had a Nexus letter from my VA primary care doctor linking it secondary to PTSD and after all that the VA denied it they pretty much said I need to link it to burn pits or toxic exposure. I’m so pissed off right now.
Hello, I have a question I plan to submit for OSA as a secondary to Allergic Rhinitis. I am not sure if partial Turbinectomy could also be a secondary condition? I have two sleep studies, the second the VA. requested one that recommends BiPAP with supplemental Oxygen to be used. Would the oxygen affect the disability rating between 50% and 100%? What information from studies should be included in your personnel letter. I was thinking of doing a study or two that Allergic Rhinitis linked to Sleep Apnea also A comprehensive review of obstructive sleep apnea.
Thanks for posting this...I'm still in service on the reserve side with multiple deployments, I needed a waiver to deploy with my CPAP...my question though even though I was prescribed after my service/mob in Iraq and Djibouti can/will this require additional leg work?
Hi, I had my CPAP machine since 2014. I received a 70% rating on my PTSD 2 years ago. Can I still file sleep apnea secondary to my PTSD even though I had my CPAP machine before my PTSD? Your response is greatly appreciated!
Yo Jordan herniated and bulging discs at the 2/3 level causes sleep apnea with lots of medical evidence to support a grant for it - good video as usual SIR -
Hi, did you already submitted your claim? I am still gathering my evidence to make sure they won't fuck my claim. I was diagnosed sleep apnea while I was active and I had degenerative disc disease from my xray while I was in. I had severe back pain 2 yrs ago after I got out and I went to get MRI and the results was disc bulge on my L3-L4,L4-5, L5-S1.
@@knyjsph5101 Howdy, any update on your OSA claim? I share the same L-symptoms/injuries as you. While my apnea is a post service diagnosis, L-injuries are all active duty and in my mil & VA med records to establish a service connected nexus.
There was a procedure where they remove the uvula, adenoids, and tonsils to alleviate O S A (diagnosed by NavHosp Camp Pendleton, CA). I had it done while on Active Duty. It worked for a few years. Since then, I have used a CPAP after a post-service sleep study. Currently have the claim under consideration by my VSO.
Great video. Question . What if I am 58 years old and have just been awarded 60 percent? Would the 55 year old rule still carry me? Also .... Do you know the success percentages on a Migraine supplemental appeal?? I did the supplemental and included much more evidence, like migraine logs, 2 more Nexus letters and Prescriptions. Just curious , been waiting a few months.
You know Johnny, I could tell you with near certainty what your odds of an increase were if I saw your personal statement and log you submitted, it’s quite black and white. If you attested to economic inadaptability (missing work due to migraines) then that’s how you go from 30% to 50%
Im so confued I'm soon to be 80 . Iwas diagnosed with loss of hearing when i went back to work after service sure when tinnitus came into the factor .it took 41 yr's to get 10%/ 10 % with the help of dav . Back pay of 6 months because i didn't have a regular appointments . I just recently filled on sleep apnea wit documents from my civilian Dr. I was turned down . I have some that work with va but so far thats going know where . At a loss of what to do , need to talk to some one😊
Got a copy of my DBQ for sleep apnea. Examiner put less likely than not because I just got the diagnosis a couple of years ago. No OSA diagnosis in service. Been using CPAP machine. I got out 2006, have insomnia and sleep problems and 2 buddy letters stating they witnessed me snoring and stopped breathing a few times while asleep. Have PTSD diagnosis by the VA but not rated for it. I was given anxiety/depression instead. My question is how likely will the VA rater go with what the C&P examiner wrote? Can I appeal this and how?
I was prescribed a cpap machine from the va in 20 1 7 and was recently denied my sleep apnea claim. I was unprepared at the c and p exam. I didn't really know how to show service connection other than the MOS i had and some chemical exposure that did not fit the criteria. I got out in 2004 with a 10 % rating for a broken wrist while i was in. It is now 20% as of last November. Is it possible to appeal or resubmit my claim but this time based on sleep apnea due to weight gain because i havent really been able to exercise due to the extreme pain in my wrist and limited movement. Thank you for your advice and your time.
I had surgery for sleep apnea while in the Air Force. Ive been out for a long time and am just now starting the disability process. Will I run into a lot of roadblocks if I had surgery for it while in service?
I have been rated 20% for ear tinnitus-I have had a sleep test years later after service for sleep apnea. I was given a CPAP machine. I want to file for Sleep apnea added on to the ear tinnitus. There is a connection and test/studies linking the two. Where can I go to file a VA disability claim ?
I have been diagnosed with o.s.a. By civilian doctor 20 years after discharge. I am rated for ptsd, tinnitus, and am currently appealing service connectivity for right knee issues. How do I go about filing for the secondary issues? I don’t want to go about this by myself like I have been doing so far
Enjoy your videos. Got sleep apnea secondary to back pain. Can I do secondary to a secondary ie hypertension to the OSA as well as other issues against the OSA?
I have a sleep apnea C&P exam next month. I’ve been rated to PTSD and have been given a CPAP through the VA how can I get a letter for you BEFORE I go to this exam?! Please let me Know
Quick question. I have tinnitus & PTSD granted. Sleep apnea was denied. How do I know the best way secondary it? Or can I give multiple reasons I think I have sleep apnea in my personal statement?
So I have a question maybe you can help or guide me in the right direction. I tried to do a sleep study while on terminal leave. I was in the process of my PCS they didn’t have any appointments available for me where I was stationed. The dates they had was months out but I moved back to my home of record before the appointment. I couldn’t get a sleep study done in time and I wasn’t able to do one until years later after I was discharged. The Va did a sleep study then told me I had sleep apnea they gave me a machine and never gave me a rating nor count it as service /non service connection. I filed for secondary connection with PTSD and they also denied it. The va give me a machine and that was it. So how can I get them to make it service connected or give a rating? I tired other companies that claim they could help but they just charge me money and I never hear back from them. I even paid for Nexus letter and that didn’t help. Can you please help me and tell me what I need to do.
i filed a claim for migraines and sleep apnea secondary to ptsd... they changed the sleep apnea to "new" i had been rated 10% for tinnitus in 2014... they scheduled the c&p for migraines but nothing yet for apnea... instead they scheduled me for a c&p for tinnitus? does this make sense? should i just write a letter and retract my claims? im about going off my rocker worrying about losing what i already have :(
Question- I was denied sleep apnea in 2015 when I retried from service. Recently, I was just diagnose with OSA and given a CPAP machine. Should I file a secondary claim to my PTSD or supplemental claim since I was denied back in 2015.
Also can i claim anything on two misdiagnoses ? I had a fracture and a torn plantar plate for over a year of multiple visits my dr was etsing on the day of my first two visits and i was told to fu with the next and told i probably just had gout. After 12 months i finally got sent to podiatry and they daid my 1 year old x rays showed the fracture and ordered new x rays and a mri that shown the tear. Since then ive had two seperate surgeries one for plantar plate repair with hardware and the second as a result of the first as i developed hammer toe and claw after surgery. Whats the best way to claim this and word it when i claim in the next few months vefore ets? Also throughout the year of not being treated for the fracture and tear i did slow down on ot and gained weight and also thats when i was diagbosed woth apnea .. since then ive got the surgeries and still on profile for my foot but ive lost weight and not flagged for abc anymore because my dr gave me phentermine for weight loss.. just trying to see if anyone knows am i able to clain a big percent for veing untreated that long and the second follow up syrgery as a result and even trying to link the weight gain to that ?
I literally got denied for my claim for sleep apnea today. I tried claiming it secondary to my major depressive disorder but the va somehow have it tied to Toxic Exposure Risk Activity.
Same is happening to me. The C and P was for toxic exposure and the Medical professional even showed me what the VA requested they wanted her to answer(not what I filed for). It appears they are just requesting C and P exams as fast as they can for Pact Act and not really looking at our claims. I even tried to call the 1-800 5x to complain but all that lead to was a sorry and their isn't anything they can do. Incompetence on the VA's part for sure in my opinion. I haven't gotten my results yet but I expect an HLR is in order at the least if not a 3 year wait for appeals.
Same thing happen to me I’m so frustrated… they are saying there is a possibility it’s linked to TERA and if that’s the case why not make it a presumption condition. I tried claiming it secondary to PTSD. VA are corrupt picking and choosing who they approve without consistency
It gets more complicated when you're in the Reserves or Guard. According to the VA, are you "in the service" if you are not in a drill or active duty order status? It would be helpful if someone did a video just for Guard/Reserve
I have searched Google for the references that you spoke of in this video, could you please tell me how I can find This research concerning PTSD and sleep apnea
How do you notify v.a that your sleep apnea is a secondary claim to my PTSD.? Do I just present this in a personal statement or is there a form for secondary claims? I was also prescribed a cpap in 2015
thank you so much for the info. My question is how to go about getting a nexus statement for this and other conditions. My claim was denied because they could not link the service connection.
So, do you need just a personal statement to get a higher rating for Sleep Apnea? I have 70% right now for Generalized Mental Anxiety, I do have trouble sleeping. do I just go to the VA Rep and File a New Claim for Sleep Apnea? Do I just write a personal statement with the various Study's put in the Statement? I also been service connected for Tinnitus.
After 4 years of appealing the initial Dleep Apnea denials, I finally got my denial remanded by a VA lawyer w/ a long list of things a NEW examiner must provide. I guess in another 4 years or I die?
I Have recently been rated at 50% for various issues. I have more claims but they have been deemed not service connected by the VA. I have submitted for my medical records but have received nothing. I have done this numerous times. The only things I was rated on are the things I physically had copies of or they were in my exit physical that I had a copy of. How can I find all of my records?
11 years and no disability or Social Security I was denied crooked Texas. any suggestions? thank you. I did put it in appeal, but it seems useless and a higher a lawyer and it seems useless.
I was diagnosed sleep apnea after I separated from army on 2019 but va denied saying not service connected. While I was in the Army my sergeant told me I awake them due to my loud snoring during the field. Also just before separating from army my pcp refer me for sleep study but the appointment date was too far like 8/9 months later but by that time I was out of service. Now I have been using this sleep apnea machine but they denied me for not service connected so anyone help me on this case I would really appreciate
Hi, I got diagnose with sleep apnea too while I was active but they told me they will not give me CPAP because I was about to ETS. I didn't know that time that I can claim sleep apnea this after getting out so I didnt bother. I only went for sleep study coz I almost flip the van coz I fell asleep while driving 😂. I got out 2019. Were u able to get percentage?
Hello, so I was wondering if I got sleep study done by the VA and it was done a couple months after my deployment, is that service connected? I told them when I deployed I had trouble sleeping and it got worse over time. They require me to have a CPAP and the VA is providing me with a CPAP.
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea required CPAP while on TDRL and again 10 years later by VA. Would being on TDRL be considered service connected? Can't get an answer on if TDRL is considered active duty or not?
I have service connected Asthma but rated at 0%, which I'm currently in appeal for. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea at the VA and prescribed a CPAP. I put in a secondary claim with a letter from the sleep clinic that there are some studies that say asthma causes or contributes to sleep apena. I was denied. I'm not sure the best way I should go about appealing the denial.
You'll need a nexus letter from a board certified Doctor or PA or Nurse Practitioner to link the conditions stating as least as likely as not which gives you a 50% chance of approval.
Do I have to be given a CPAP for me to be rated by the VA? the summary came out that VA state "events observed were obstructive hyponoeas"? what does that mean? but also said no significant elevation of apnea index was observed. thanks of the help
