Tbi And Central Sleep Apnea

[Warrior]

Any vets out there have a TBI that is service connected then find out you have central sleep apnea a few years down the line and have the VA try to say it is not service connected ?

[Guest]

If I am misusing this community site, please let me know. I'm not trying to be a nuisance, I have just been excited to see the knowledge and wisdom here and I hope I can be able to contribute to other vet's claims from my own experiences.

 

Please don't take offense, VA lately is denying more and more veterans claims for sleep apnea because if your are on a Cpap Machine it is a 50% rating.  My post was to simply encourage you not to give up. Please note that sleep apnea is a silent killer and is life threatening.  Please do what ever you have to do to get this service connected. IMHO, I think you will win service connection but your claim will have to go to BVA or even CAVC as long as you don't give up. Especially because you already have a VA Sleep Doctor who filled out your DBQ. You could always start your own thread which would get a lot more responses.

Edited March 23, 2020 by pete992

[Gastone]

No TBI, but did get MSA Awarded Secondary to CAD. My Non VA Sleep Neurologist completed a DBQ with the "More Likely Than Not" linkage. CAD DX 01/2006, MSA DX 09/10.

Very difficult for a VA rater to decide against a Sleep Disorder Specialist MD that is also a Board Certified Neurologist.

In the past 4 or so years of reviewing BVA Decisions, it appeared to me that the credentialing of a Dr is very important. More so when it comes to a "Jump Ball" situation, with dueling MD opinions as to the Nexus of a Vets DX.

If your VA Sleep Specialist is reluctant to opine on the Nexus of your CSA, might be time to find an outside Neurologist specializing in Sleep SA.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[Warrior]

Ok thank you for the info .after the denial... went to get an outside opinion the MD wrote a nexus letter saying they feel it was for sure combat related then filed a NOD . Hoping that response does not take long .

Thank you for your service

[goaltender]

To answer your 1st post, I have TBI rating, which was an in line of duty injury/ service connected in 2003, OEF/ OIF. I developed central apena this year. The VA prescribed a BiPap. 

I did my home work, and went to the sleep apena c&p armed with the three sleep study results, lay statements, battle buddy statements, and an IMO from Dr. Gary Anise.

Just had it denied the other week. I have been looking for others as well. 

Keep in touch, please. And thank you for your service. Follow me as I get advice from Navy 04 and Buck very soon (I want to type carefully) bec they have been good with the no BS help/advice.

[Gastone]

You did submit the IMO directly to the VA Evidence intake center, well in advance of your C & P, right? In your recent Denial, was this IMO from Dr Anise addressed as to being Evidence of Record that was considered in the Decision?

What exactly did the Rater state as the reason for your CA or MSA not being eligible, for a Secondary rating to your SC TBI?

I trust you have already filed your NOD, requesting a DRO Hearing (my choice)?

Semper Fi

[Gastone]

What exactly did your C & P Dr have to say on your DBQ? A redacted copy would be helpful.

Semper Fi