Draw808

Say I separated January 1, 2015 with in service complaints about back problems no diagnosis. Filed a disability claim on June 1, 2016. Had C&P exam March 17, 2017 and VA me with discogenic disease. VA service connected me on the date I was diagnosed. Should it be date the claim was filed or is it correct with the date it was diagnosed?

Thank you!

Requested a DRO review and and the VA finally did another C&P exam that had a medical opinion this time (last C&P exam did not have a medical opinion). The C&P examiner stated "The condition claimed was at least as likely as not (50% or greater probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness." The examiner gave a clear and reasonable rationale for his findings that my service records shows a history of the disability ect... I read my entire C-file and there is no negative or contradictory evidence in there. Nothing is always certain especially with the VA so my question is can I reasonably expect a favorable outcome?

I was discharged in december 2013. I had complained to my doctors but you already know how military doctors are they told me to take over the counter sleep medicine. After I got discharged i got situated and filed a my disability claims I knew for a fact I had insomnia but i also looked up my other symptoms and sleep apnea kept popping up so I filed for that as well. Unable to afford a sleep study i had to wait a year after i filed my claim for the VA to conduct it.

Thanks again Gastone! I'll get on that ASAP. Even though I wasn't Dx with SA until a year and a month after separate does the fact I filed for it within 3 months help at all?

Thanks for the advice Ill make sure my doctor nexus opinion has a very good rational opinion. The five buddy letters were submitted after my denial. From my wife's PEB board they relied heavily off of buddy letters from E-5s and above so I was just assuming it will with the VA. Also the buddy letters did say I snored a lot but also went into detail on how I stopped breathing constantly in my sleep.

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely get a private medical opinion. My denial letter is basically denying my service because it wasn't diagnosed in-service. From what I see is the VA doctor didn't put a medical opinion in the DBQ and the rater closed my claim without one. Also what i remember from the phone call where he did my DBQ is he was saying it isnt because of weight gain since you're same weight since service and your neck size is normal. Seemed like he was trying to use the usually deniers for sleep apnea and couldn't find one. My in-service complaints reflect exactly what my sleep study showed if you minus out the stop breathing part. Should I wait until the VA get a medical opinion to get a private medical opinion so I can shut down their BS logic with reasoning? I also just request a DRO de novo review before I head towards appeal.

Currently have moderate Mixed Sleep Apnea (Central and Obstructive).Got denied for Service connection for Sleep apnea. Submitted NOD requesting DRO and added 5 buddy letters (included a statement from an E-7) who witnessed my apnea episodes while I was in service between 2012-2013. Also included two in-service complaints of trouble staying asleep and snoring (just in case VA never received them). Just wondering what do you think of my odds are at service connecting and any suggestion as well is much appreciated. TIMELINE: Military Service between Dec 2009 to Dec 2013. sleep complaint - Jul2012 sleep complaint - Aug2013 Separated Dec2013 Filed VA claim for sleep apnea Feb 2014 Diagnosed by VA with Mixed Sleep Apnea - May 2015 (couldn't afford a couple thousand dollar sleep study myself so I couldnt get it diagnosed earlier) Denied Service connection Sep 2015 Filed NOD requesting DRO Sep2015