blackwizard

Thank you for your reply! I will try to get a statement from my Dr. at my next appointment. If I file within the 1 year mark of discharge, does it make the process go smoother? As soon as I gather all the info from my private doctor regarding my sleep apnea & flat feet, I will go to a VA clinic. Thanks again! I really appreciate it.

I can definitely get buddy statements. As for my records, I never complained about the sleep issue I was having, nor of my ankle/knee pain. I wasn't aware of the sleep problem, other than people telling me about my snoring and breathing... I have done the sleep study, which my Dr. referred me to. I have yet to meet back with the doctor to go over the results. However, at the sleep study, the technician there informed me of my sleep apnea and the need of a CPAP. I will be meeting with my Dr. soon to go over the results, etc. Is there another specialist I need to go to, or just my Dr.? In regard to my flat feet, my Dr. wrote me a prescription for customized insoles. She referred me to a Certified Orthotist. Should I see a foot specialist or stick with my Dr. on this issue? Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.

Hi, I have a few concerns in regards to claiming compensation. A little background: I'm in the reserves, and recently returned from deployment late last year. I was activated for 1 year. 4 months after being released from Active Duty and back on Reserve status, I went to a private doctor because of pain I was having in my right ankle and left knee. The Dr. discovered I had flat feet, which was causing the pain... While I was there, I asked her about some sleeping issues I have been experiencing for the past year. Waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air, feeling tired in the mornings, etc. She reccommended me to have a Sleep Study done, which I did. The results were: Sleep Apnea, w/need of a CPAP machine. My question is: How do I go about in filing this for compensation? I read I should make a claim w/in the 1 year of release from active duty. (It has not been 1 yr yet). I never complained while overseas regarding the sleep apnea (or my feet), but that is where I was first aware of the problem. The fellows that shared quarters with me, on numerous occasions told me I snored very loud. Once I returned home, my wife again brought it to my attention of the snoring, and she noticed I had moments where she'd hear a pause in my breathing. She also wakes me up at times when I stop breathing in my sleep. I never had this problem before activating, and I'm still unsure what caused it. I'd like to get any help or advice on how to go about this. Thank you.