The shocking link between sleep apnea and hypertension 

Anyone needing to file for Disability, this law firm is 100% the best. I had them represent me 15 years ago after trying on my own for over 3 years and being denied over and over, they took over and I had not only peace of mind but realized I couldn’t have picked a better team to be there for me. I had Ms. Carol Ponton, and her and her team made a tremendous difference in my life, Thank You Team SO MUCH........Deborahlee Edwards

My VA experience with the Dallas sleep Apnea. It went well until my first visit when one woman slid her chair away and would not talk but she was great at staring. the woman in charge lied to me about helping with the mask and I on the next visit knew I was on my own. God bless you all.

for 30 years i have told the doctors at the VA exactly all the symptoms 30 f.... years. "we have to run more tests" the third test i stopped breathing 52 in a hour blood oxygen 72. "we have to run more tests" now im in a wheel power chair, my wonderful wife never leaves my side. "we have to run more tests" i'm 100% but still suffering.

"Their spouse makes them go for an assessment". That's literally what I went through. I knew I snored loudly since I was in my teens, but my wife noticed I would stop breathing at night. Unfortunately military doctors don't want to request sleep studies. I had to beg the doctor for one by telling him it would get my wife off my back. The results showed I have pretty severe sleep apnea.

My wife forced me to get tested for sleep apnea before I retired. Luckily I did and found out I had the worst doctors had seen. Additionally I had hypertension as well and receive benefits for both.

Great information and thanks for sharing. I’ve been diagnosed Hypertension during active duty and now diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.

You have to advocate for yourself. I have talked to too many vets who never use any of their benefits.

Sleep Apnea: some pointers from my research: it needs to be ' ' Obstructive' ' Sleep Apnea. OSA is primarily caused by obesity. So if you are overweight you will need to make the nexus (connection) between your obesity and one of your service connected disabilities. For example, if you are SC for your knees from being a ground-pounder, you make the case that you your bad knees prevent you from exercising, hence the weight gain, therefore OSA is secondary to your knees bc your knees prevent exercise which caused weight gain which caused OSA. The same chain is valid for the meds you take for your other SC disabilities, provided a side effect of those meds is weight gain. It's rare that any of us got a sleep study on active duty, or had any idea that we should have got one to see if we had OSA. Hence the daisy-chain approach is your best shot. You will have to get a DBQ and Nexus letter from a professional who knows the drill on doing VA-Rating-Speak so that the VA doesn't deny you on a vocabulary technicality. When you get denied, go for the Higher Level Review. When the HLR is denied, get another DBQ and file a supplemental claim. My theory is the VA is going broke paying for all our disabilities so they do their best to keep the hole plugged in the dam.

Thanks to DAV for helping me with my % of VA disability.

Thank you for wonderful job to all us(Vets)

I need to get my appeal started and have this stuff taken into consideration. I also need to get my time at Ft. McClellan into it as well even though they don’t want to recognize it. They paid the city of Anniston, Alabama $750 million dollars whilst us veterans where put out to pasture.

During my last back surgery at the Miami VA I stopped breathing on the table twice.I was told it was because of my apnea.Even though I ask about it every time I have an appointment it's always not that docs problem.

I’ve had a bipap for about two years for obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. The VA sent me to the sleep study, and gave me the bipap. I had no idea I could get a rating for it. I worked on the flight line on fighter jets.

I have diabetes and hypertension and am diagnosed with S.A. my SA was denied, and I had a nexus letter,sleep study, and describe a machine

I have just been denide e, I’ve had Hyperion since 1983 and sleep apnea for about 10 years. I have a claim in now for sleep apnea ,

I was turned down for sleep apnea and my hearing. Got to love the VA

This was helpful information. I’m just starting to research stuff I don’t know about. And trying to figure out what I can claim.

This is all starting to make sense. Thank you

Also writing or filing a lays statement is a great weapon to speak on your behalf

How can I prove, sleep apnea, in my day when I was in the United states ARMY, that was not available to us , in the Vietnam era. I have the sleep study's and I have the capac. Device, I have high blood pressure, being treated at Jackson va hospital, in Jackson, Ms. I have diabetes also, what do I do next. Thanks, in advance

I'm going through the exact issue that was being discussed in this RU-vid clip. I have a service connected claim for hypertension with sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea years after I retired, but now I seeking compensation for both. Served in the Gulf War and it's on record that I was exposed to oil fires in both in Kuwait and Iraq and no telling what other toxic fumes. It's seems from what I'm told the VA doesn't always play fair by denying compensation or at a low percentage.

Omg ty for this video, I'm suffering from both and thought the va was a useless route

Allison, This is discussion is mostly process related to "ratings". I would like to know how most vets get sleep apnea. I FEEL I KNOW HOW I GOT IT I was classified 11B (light infantry in 1966) In Vietnam I was assigned to the 173rd Airborne. Our daily routine was 4hours guard duty concentrating on being alert for different noises outside our perimeter. After that it would be 8 hours of "attempted sleep". All the while listening for VC trying to crawl under the wire. It creates a ultra-alert sensitivity. You don't get DEEP SLEEP at all. .....do it 365 time's in a year and you are conditioned to sleep very light, or in my case not at all, a lot of times. This pattern has been with me for 50 years and getting worse

I was in the marine reserves stationed at Camp Lejuene for over 4 months in 1984; I developed and diagnosised with obstructive sleep apnea wearing a cpap machine and hypertention. The VA denied meand continually denying me healthcare benefits because of lack of 24months service even though I'm honorable discharged

Nice information

Thanks very informative

Sleep Apnea... I told my primary care doctor about how bad my sleep apnea is, and he called me "full of bullshit" and he helped a clinic falsify the test. (They put me on a mattress that was completely missing the middle, my butt was down on wood frame; I couldn't turn left or right. It was not comfortable. They put two high pillows under my head. My head was a full 12 to 15" higher than my hips. That completely changes how you breathe. But it's not comfortable at all. I asked them 4 times why the middle of the bed was missing but they would not answer me.) My wife and I are thinking about suing the doctor because I record every visit to my doctor and have it on tape.

Great information, I am right know working in a claim for hypertension secondary to sleep apnea.

Outstanding well done

Good info

The VA denied my sleep apnea but also said I didn't need a sleep study. I had already been diagnosed by a private Dr woth OSA and have since been diagnosed with OSA and other sleepbdisorders.

I am 0% rated with Hypertension, and have been diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea from my Sleep Study (VA Diagnosed it). I have been given a BiPAP machine, as well.

Lol, we’ll I’m a new subscriber. My wife made me go get test for sleep apnea and well guess what? I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

I'm a truck driver as well as a veteran and am having these issues. My main problem is finding the time to go and fight with the V.A. for my benefits. I could use some help with this.

how can I be checked for hypertension and rated within the levels when I take many meds to lower my blood pressure? Thank You Both Ladies-outstanding Video

I didn't know i could claim hypertension. But I think I have it under control.

I have obstructive sleep apnea a bipod an heart failure also debetes also diagnosed with depression 3 buddy statements showing I had snored also was sent to mental health always falling asleep standing up

You have described my problems to a T. I was just diagnosed w/ severe obstructive sleep apnea. Have developed High BP and diabetes over the last few years.

I got a 50 percent rating for my obstructive sleep apnea the thing I had I'm my favor is I got diagnosed while I was on active duty at my duty station

Very helpful information

I'm suffering from so many health issues. Most of these issues resulted from stress beginning when I was in the service. Although I was on active duty for a year, I was forced out because of a race problem on board the ship. I am a black man who grew up in the deep south, so to speak. Well, I wanted to go to officer candidate school. As a result, I was chosen by the Division officers to become a Yeoman of the division. Soon after, I came under attack by a 1st Class Petty officer and a Chief Petty Officer. Together they made false reports against me, and I was forced to leave the Navy prematurely. Ever since that time, I have had to live my life in the shadows, so to speak. I did receive a general discharge, however, but I developed a host of problems that began when I was in the military to cope. Now, I have all kinds of health problems being over 65, which began during my time in the service. My doctor reminds that I should apply for disability. I've been ashamed to get help all of my life. I only recently learned that a book was written about the "racial" problems on the ship at the time. I remember hearing then that special meetings were going on onshore. It's a fact that many African American sailors were discharged at the same time. At 19, I simply had no understanding of what I could do. Any advice for me would be welcomed. Thank you.

Filed sleep apnea,on cpap, secondary to sc osteoarthritis in hips 2 total hip replacements and lumbar spine w/obesity as intermediary. My VA online med rec shows 2 new VA med opinion letters with the less likelys than not. Say my phase 3 jaw surgery of military orthodontics--for malocclusion-was for air pulmonary structures…I.e., that I had it before service, snored 17 years, not diagnosed until 12 yrs post service… like Veterans Anonymous would know, but military not know, never check out my grumpy jaw to see if snoring vet has sleep apnea… despicable…willing to lawyer up once denied.

Thanks. I did a claim for sleep apnea and they connected to my burn pit registry and it wasn’t service connected. I will try to get a buddy statement.

Very informative video. Thank you!

Thank you . I suffer from this

You could be on Dr. Oz that's a good one. I need your help with this matter I have all the problems you are talking about, My wife made me go down in the basement. Lol

Waking up with headaches is an indicator of OSA. That is the symptom that prompted my military physician to send me for a sleep study. During my sleep study they determined that I was experiencing an "arousal" (your brain waking up because you aren't breathing) more than once every three minutes. They actually stopped the study and put me on CPAP after the first two hours.

I had a sleep study at the VA after my wife insisted I get tested bc I'd stop breathing. I got diagnosed with sleep apnea and was issued a c-pap from the VA. Was also put on blood pressure meds around the same time also. I filed a claim with the VA, even had buddy statements from people I served with, one was even a full bird Colonel now who was my former Platoon Leader. I was still denied from the VA??

Unbelievable Interview with Natalia Jofre it was like a light bulb was turned on because my snoring is out of control i wake up coughing almost every night. Had the 24 hr test done but not with the V.A im taking b.p med Nifedipen 30 MG. I'm now 10% for skin condition. 21years in the Army Retired. Do I have a case?

Great Info! What if the meds prescribe is the only way to keep your BP in check? Does that make the case for a BP condition for a rating?

Funny you say spouse. I knew a Marine in Florida who came up to me all excited and said "MY WIFE GOT ME MY 100%." I asked how. He said she was cleaning out the closet and found old photos that she had taken when the gov sent them into a theater where they weren't but were in a hospital that they never were in and she had brought a camera and they had kept the photos. Furthermore, she helped his buddies also get their claims started.

I developed hypertension in the military while pregnant with my child. It continued after childbirth and still continues to this day. At first, when being seen at the VA (everytime) my pressure would be taken, it would be high and the nurse would manipulate my arm to get my pressure down. Finally, my PCP at the VA prescribed medication for the high blood pressure. However, I am rated zero or not service connected (cant remember, must recheck my rating)

Does the sleep study have to be from the VA? I have done one with a civilian doctor. Been having sleep apnea and high blood pressure issues for more than 20 years. Its so hard to get this stuff service connected or even get seen for it

I m at 90%, I wonder if this would place me at 100%?, never mind you answer my question at the 12:00 minute mark

What if you are diagnosed and treated for hypertension and years later do a sleep study and diagnosed with sleep apnea, would sleep apnea be considered secondary.

Awesome information ladies!

Can I file a claim for diabetes secondary to sleep apnea

I have COPD as a Primary and Sleep apnea as a secondary. Connecting it to a primary was necessary to claim sleep apnea as a secondary.

I was denied for 5 military related issues that was tied into together.

Could you talk about the link between sleep apnea and ptsd

I have headaches that started while i was in the navy that caused insomnia can't figure out what to do horrible don't wish this on anyone

Wish they would do a study on us veterans that were stationed in Bosnia during IFOR and SFOR

Thank you for another great video you guys are awsome

I wish I know this before I retired..Wish I can claim it...

I have everything in the book I need help as to what to start with

I did not realize this ,but iv been having dreams that iv reenlisted and I was in the navy but I have reenlisted in the army and navy also ,had savear high blood preasher when I got discharged /I had planes landing on the flightdeck landing BANG a lot with the landing gear screeching,and planes taking off during take off,my blood preasher was in the 200's,i had a 3 way by pass and two stents ,and have a pacemaker sence,ever hear of smoke and coke?when I enlisted I did not smoke, we were told if we were not in the smoke room drinking coke and smokeing we had to be shinning our shoes or cleaning /folding working on something to keep busy in our free time;well I took up smoking cigerates and drinking coke I WAS !& YEARS OLD,yes in 1974 I enlisted two days after my 17th birthday,iv allways thought after my first heart attack if I did not join the navy maybe I would not have heart trouble

I spent 40 yrs in the Army, 18 months in Kuwait breathing oil, uranium in sand storms we endured quite frequently, I got denied because of what the Doctor wrote, the Doctor made a comment “Those people in the Middle East Don’t suffer from breathing and sleep issues” “I don’t believe your issue is due to your Deployment “ I failed my sleep study, the VA issued me a C-pap machine, I saw a Judge at the West L.A. VA office in West L.A. the Judge looked at my records, she told me that the Doctor made me a total negative review

I've been begging for years for a new c-pap machine and replacement supplies (masks, tubes and filters etc.) Been hitting a brick wall. Social medicine at work here.

I have ptsd. I am claiming apnea and blood pressure as secondary

I was discharged in 1992. I don't remember even hearing of sleep apnea before then. I'm 10% disabled for a bunch of stupid little crap. The VA is treating me for diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. None of which were part of my initial disability.

My husband went in Service as hypertension, What now? Plus later on he had heart problem, congestion heart failure, stints,blockages,open heart,blockages in his legs , amputated (both)

I will be sharing your RU-vid channel on our veteran fb page to spread the info. What avenues can you guide me to to stop veteran suicide? Thank you for everything you do.

I would love for someone to explain the burn pits? I was stationed at Balad, Iraq for a year and the VA will not acknowledge I have issues from this.

Most of the time. All of the time!

I did get sleep study, positive for obstructive sleep apnea, positive for central sleep apnea, im with CPAP, but guess what? I filed a claim for that and they didn't rate me , i'm rated 60% for other conditions, very hard to win cases even with proof.

Vets are exposed to hazardous substances such as jet fuels, diesel fuel, Aviation fuels, AKA, AV Gas, deicing fluids, etc.

Good luck. I got a zero rating for hypertension. Denied 4 times for sleep apnea. V A. Said .no connection.

Can sleep apnea be secondary to hypertension

Initial claims granted but score at 0

Good video. Question - I am service connected with high blood pressure, PTSD, Tinnitus and Hearing loss (left ear). I was denied for sleep apnea (SA) (direct service & secondary to high blood pressure) I had a sleep study - 06/17/2013 - diagnosis my SA. Given a VA provided CPAP for 8yrs. they still refuse to grant me sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. I probably need a DBQ & medical nexus? any advise

I read an article from Mayo Clinic that sleep apnea link hypertension and diabetis

I am trying to get seen for sleep apnea and I am requesting a mental health doctor to help me with my anxiety attack and I am waiting for a doctor appointment coming up soon and I have High blood pressure and diabetes

I have the same problem Hypertension and sleep apnea.

Thank you very much.

I claimed sleep apnea secondary to ptsd and was denied. Later I was awarded for diabetes and hypertension. I sent my sleep apnea claim to a law judge. What are my chances of winning my sleep apnea claim?

I get 60% disability rating for BP and lower back AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA issues upon discharge from active duty. I was given 10% for my BP. In November 2019, it was found that my BP stayed at 210/100 without proper meds. Furthermore, it was found that my cortisol level was so high that my meds had to be changed to get my cortisol levels down. I had to got thru surgery on my adrenal glands which was discovered at that time that my glands were producing too much cortisol and the other hormone that the adrenal gland produces (can’t remember the hormone name). When I went to review my medical record for the purpose of getting a higher disability rating, I was denied an increase for the BP. My rating did increase due to my back problem to 80%. My question is: should I be able to get a higher rating for my BP due to these hormone imbalances?

I have both. The VA is dragging it's feet. The buddy statements, sleep study, etc have all been done, I don't really know what's taking so long.

Slepp b ap...secondary to hypertension

I've got moderate sleep apnea. When I went for my sleep test they measured 27 episodes per hour. I've had problems sleeping for years, going back to my service days, but back then I had no idea sleep apnea was even a thing, so of course I never went to medical for it. Naturally, the VA told me to pound sand when I added it to my claim. They did the same with the high blood pressure. I found out about that when I measured 190/121 at the doctor's office and they were pretty concerned. The VA won't compensate me for these issues, but at least they don't have any problems treating them, so I guess that's a win.

Is it possible that you could have had a diagnosis for high blood pressure and the later developed sleep apnea as a result of uncontrolled high blood pressure?

my issue is service connection to sleep apnea after I was diagnosed and prescribed a machine...

I was working as a 0085 security/Specialist Reaction Team guard at a chemical weapons depot in Oregon. It was during a two man roving patrol that I suddenly felt my partner yelling and pulling on my arm violent. I said what the hell is going on To my partner. He said...I thought you had died. You were looking out then your head went down and you stopped breathing. I later asked my wife about. She said you've been that way for many years. I lay awake at times when I notice you start snoring really loud knowing you will stop breathing. I have to push on you to move you as this will get you to start breathing! I went to see my doctor that let to sleep doctor. I now use a cap machine. The sleep study scared the hell out me. Duri g the initial test all I had was an air tube. I fell asleep how long I do not recall. But the tech performing the test busted through the door and basically ripped the air tube of my face. You should have seen her face. I asked how was the. She the doctor will take to you about it, I cannot see how you have survived this long. The doctor said at some point I stopped breathing for 90 seconds. This not including the micro-waking up I was doing. Up to the start of using the cap equipment I suffered greatly from headaches. Apparently I had not slept well for years. I am a veteran (Nov 1973 to 1978 plus seventeen years in the Oregon National guard). THANK YOU both for this great video.

Great Video. Thank you for all the knowledge you give us. However, one subject puzzles me. If I was diagnosed with sleep apnea while I was Active Duty. Also, If I conducted a sleep study , and issued a CPAP Machine while I was on Active Duty, will I still need to have an Event in Service like a Car Wreck to file a direct claim ? I have all the documents proving this. The only thing is that I do not have an event to name the cause. I just conducted a sleep study, got diagnosed, and issued a CPAP all while I was on Active Duty. Is that enough for a Direct-Service Claim ?

How about anxiety and sleep apnea. What’s the nexus:

Granted hypertension 10percent no pay increase what can I do

That was some good information thank you so much right now I have a disability rating of 70% for PTSD and have had sleep apnea since the military and I don't know where to begin to increase my rating please help?

I got 50 for sleep apnea but 0 for high blood pressure.

I have sleep apnea, hypertension, loss memory, knee pain, diabetes etc and I was denied

I have a 60% service connected rating for hypertension and heart disease. Since receiving that rating I have had multiple hospitalizations for heart disease and had 3 cardiac stents placed. The VA has diagnosed me with "severe" complex sleep apnea which requires BIPAP ( a more sophisticated CPAP) and supplemental oxygen at night. Also, my PCP has recently given me a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. I am on 19 scheduled medications from VA doctors for hypertension, angina, and diabetes. Do you think I qualify for more than a 60% rating?