How Do I Prove Sleep Apnea Was Service Connected?

[iraqx2]

I am planning on writing a Notice of Disagreement on my sleep apnea decision. The VA in their decision letter, did acknowledged that I do have sleep apnea and currently on a CPAP machine issued by the VA's sleep center. So all of the conditions and treatment are concrete. However, and as usual, " No evidence to support that sleep apnea was service connected ".

I am burned out with paperwork but is currently satisfy with my rating.

Any suggestions on how I can respond and prove that it was service connected?

Thanks

[iraqx2]

100% TBI, PTSD, and back injury. All service connected. And to add a point, my sleep apnea did start while I was in the Army. Back then, who the heck takes snoring seriously.

[Guest]

If you can prove that you had the symptoms while on active duty and get a nexus from a sleep specialist then it would be possible to get it service connected.

Sleep apnea signs and symptoms

It can be tough to identify sleep apnea on your own, since the most prominent symptoms only occur when you're asleep. But you can get around this difficulty by asking a bed partner to observe your sleep habits or recording yourself during sleep.

Major signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

• Loud and chronic snoring
• Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
• Long pauses in breathing
• Daytime sleepiness, no matter how much time you spend in bed
  Other common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Restless or fitful sleep
• Insomnia or nighttime awakenings
• Going to the bathroom frequently during the night
• Waking up feeling out of breath
• Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
• Moodiness, irritability, or depression

http://www.helpguide...sleep_apnea.htm

[Carl the Engineer]

I wrote a buddy letter for a fellow service member, and I believe he had 2 others write buddy letters for his Sleep Apnea. He got SC'd 50%. He definitly had it if he anything, and I felt obligated to help him out. They finally put him on night shift in the TOC so he could sleep in the day. By himself...

Hamslice

[CAM]

Hey Hamslice,

I am still connected to my buddies that I served with, could they possibly write me a letter stating their observances of my sleep while I was in? Since you have done this already, can you provide an example letter? and how many people wrote letters for him ? Thanks.

- CAM

[truck905]

Hey Hamslice,

I am still connected to my buddies that I served with, could they possibly write me a letter stating their observances of my sleep while I was in? Since you have done this already, can you provide an example letter? and how many people wrote letters for him ? Thanks.

- CAM

I just submitted to reopen my claim for OSA with evidence from the sleep clinic of how severe my readings are and 3 letters from guys I severed with and actual went to the field with with them. I contacted my old girlfriend and she emailed me a letter to state the facts as well, with a letter from my current wife. I read a few claims from the appeal process and the judge made a statement" With the letters of support stating the snoring and gasping for air, they are not MEDICAL EXPERTS". On the other hand, one appeal, the soldier had his wife write a statement and she said he had sleep apnea before he enlisted but it's now worse than ever. GRANTED 50%

[broncovet]

Cam

It isnt a good idea to follow any "format" for a buddy letter for OSA. Reason: The buddy letter should not appear "coached". In their own Words, you buddy's should write a letter stating (if this is true) that Joe Veteran was your bunk mate, and that his snoring kept me awake, etc.

"Buddy letters" are for LAY evidence only. Your buddy's can't diagnose OSA, and their opinion that you should get 50% for CPAP wont likely help. But they can testify that you snored loudly.

They COULD also offer lay testimony such as you fell asleep during classes, movies, etc. Both loud snoring, and falling asleep at inappropriate times are possible symptoms of OSA. You could see if your buddies noticed you had any of the sympomts Pete posted. Neither you, nor your buddies, should ever lie to the VA. They have ways of figuring this out and the consequences are never good.