ptsd Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD

[Bobby56m]

I've been doing a lot of research on the link between PTSD and sleep  apnea because I have filed a claim for it.  I found several articles, but the most recent one I found today and added to my claim.  I wanted to share it with you because it was just published this month.

https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2017/206/6/physical-comorbidities-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-australian-vietnam-war

I'm not sure if this will be the icing on the cake or not, but its worth a try! I hope it helps someone.  Thank you all for your service!

[MikeHunt]

VA is going to say Sleep Apnea is a 'structural' (my term! LoL) problem, in fact, your article it's referred to as "OSA", Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

It would be akin to asking for secondary connection for arthritis in left knee because of tinnitus.

However, it seems there's another type; 'Central Sleep Apnea' so, it seems OSA will always be juxtaposed onto any sleep apnea claim, because it's easy to deny. Raters are doctors in disguise.

In short, you need to go get a DBQ yourself, from a private clinician with a secondary opinion to send in. Maybe two, or three.

 

[Gastone]

B-56, SA Secondary to PTSD is a very tough sell to the Raters. Who DX'd your SA (VMC or Private Sleep Specialist)?

How many of the SA's list of 12 or so usual suspects do you have? Male, BMI 30+, neck 17.5+in to name a few?

Review both the PTSD & SA DBQ, you'll see the PTSD DBQ asks about Sleep Problems, the SA doesn't discuss MH issues including a PTSD DX.

The Australian Study you reference addresses a "Significant Predictor of PTSD" in all Vets with a "History of an OSA DX" or being determined to be in the "High-Risk Category for OSA on the Berlin Questionnaire."

I doubt you've been able to get a VMC MH (Psychiatrist/Psychologist PhD) or Sleep Neurologist to give you a medical Nexus linking your SA DX to your PTSD. You'll have a better luck with a Private MD, preferably an MD Board Certified Neurologist with additional SA Board Certifications. You don't actually need him to complete a DBQ, his Clinician Treatment Notes are sufficient for VA Rating purposes.

Ther are actually (3) types of SA (OSA "Fat Neck - Big Tonge"), (CSA "Central, C02 retention Brain Problem") & (MSA (Combination OSA & CSA).

Review the BVA Decisions for 15, 16 & 17. I don't recall any SA Secondary to PTSD reversals, could be wrong, check it out.

Semper Fi