ptsd New Sleep Apnea Claim

[Black3018]

Hello everyone,

I just had my initial consult for sleep apnea.  I havnt had the sleep study performed yet but I did get these numbers from the initial questionnaire:

Berlin Questionnaire: POSITIVE (+++)

Epworth Sleepiness Scale: 9/24

Fatigue Severity Scale: 42/63

Insomnia Severity Index: 18/28

Based on these results and suspicion for sleep disordered breathing, an

oligosomnogram was ordered. Sleep Clinic follow-up scheduled in ~6 months.

 

I wasn't diagnosed with any sleep issues while I was active but when I was explaining to my PTSD therapist about how I was having issues sleeping she stated that it seems like I have insomnia and possibly a major sleep apnea issue.  My wife had to wake me up several times a night when shes home due to either snoring or breathing issues.  My question to you guys is what would be the best way to put a claim in for sleep apnea?  Should I do the secondary issue and attach it to my ptsd (rated at 50%)?  this will be only my second claim and I want to make sure I do it right.  Please help me

[Gastone]

With no SMR Sleep issues, SA as Secondary to your (50%?) PTSD is your only option, claim wise.

Will have to look up "Oligosomnogram," is that the at home mini sleep study, that the VA uses?

Just a lay opinion now, back in 10 after discussing Daytime memory/concentration and dozing off, my non VA PCP, had me hooked up for an Overnight Sleep study the following week. A (6) month wait for a Sleep Clinic follow-up isn't RIGHT.

Who exactly did your VA Initial SA Consult? If you actually have OSA/CSA or MSA and require a Cpap or Bipap with or without supplemental 02, you need to know YESTERDAY, not in 6 MONTHS.

My advice, based on a fair amount of experience with  SA & other issues, go on your MHV Secure Messaging and send Msg to both your PCP and whichever Dr did this SA Exam. You want the "Over-Night Study Now, not after your (6) month appointment.  All your MHV SM's will appear in your VMC Med Records, usuall within a day or two, along with the Dr's response. Think "Paper Trail."

With the VMC, the "Squeaky Wheel always gets the Grease." Time for you to get SQUEAKY!

[CaliBay]

Hello Black,

I agree with Gastone on the SA as secondary to PTSD.  Also you should get the overnight sleep study, its better.  I currently submitted an appeal with Buddy Statements from my roommate, peers, supervisor, and one from my spouse. The one thing I wish I had that can make or break my claim is an independent medical opinion stating my sleep apnea was caused while on active duty.  I have no record of sleep issues in my service records.  

Check this link out of a Board Review I believe seems like a great example of what you need.  What I really liked about it was he had multiple buddy statements and one buddy was a registered respiratory therapist.  Also obesity, snoring, and an enlarged double chin are some things that can play a role in OSA, if you have any evidence of that in your service records such as an elevated BMI, being in the weight management program, or something from a doctor stating you gained weight as a result of medication you are taking for PTSD therefore causing sleep apnea.  Just some suggestions.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp13/Files4/1335733.txt

CaliBay

 

[Black3018]

I do have my wife statement that she has woken me up several times because I stopped breathing.  and my snoring is getting worse.  My wife sleeps in another room.  I do have a depression diagnoisis from when I was in but that's about it.  I have my sleep study scheduled for jan. 23rd and its the at home one.  Im hoping I can get some help because Im exhausted all the time and Im driving my wife nuts with the snoring.

 

[Black3018]

I got my equipment for the at home sleep study.  After i give it back the staff said it could be 3-5 weeks before i get my results back.  Should I set up my claim now or wait for the results of my sleep study?  I dont want ot jump the gun and make this harder for me to claim.  Also, how do I go about doing a secondary symptom claim?  Thank you in advance everyone

 

[Buck52]

File the ITF (Intent to File) its  a good way to start.

 its good for a year...in that time you can gather your evidence and seek treatment...use treatment notes from MyHealteVet. get  favorable reports from Dr's & spouse lay statement  ect ,,,ect,,,,

 You Need a Diagnose for Sleep Disorder (Sleep Apnea) OSD  & having a C -pap machine or similar devise will certainly help......If you have no medical records for sleep disorders from past military service   you can file For S.A, secondary to your PTSD Medications with a qualified Medical specialist that reads your pertinent medical records of OSD to give his/her opine  that your VA prescribe PTSD Meds is likely as not the reason you have sleep Apnea.

This is being tested today with a lot of veterans, the more evidence and treatment you have the better for your secondary claim for S.A. List of the PTSD Medications & ...Getting treatment from the VA is good.

The ITF is a good way to start but you need to start digging this year For filling  your evidence in time  it also saves your EED (Early Effective Date)

[Black3018]

Ok.  I will do my intent to file.  Now can I use my personal doctor as a quailifed medical specialist?  and would it be smart to have a second sleep study through my personal insurance provider? I don't have any PTSD meds prescribed to me so the MEds shouldn't be an issue.