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EODCMC

Chief Petty Officers
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Posts posted by EODCMC

  1. Ha...you're right. This gripe is better suited for a different segment of the forum. However, Gastone is correct, in my view. The system is meant for veterans like us. After seeing a glimpse of your problems, I would gladly give up my place in line for you and anyone else with DXs that are more serious than mine. I'm not against triage, but I sense that is not the reason for the delays. Good health Coot.

  2. Coot, no worries. If my post generates dialogue that helps anyone, I'm good. I might learn a thing or two. This process that the VA has created is really a culture that they seem to cultivate. Perhaps the government feels they can save money by stringing this system out. My problem with it is that they are doing this over the backs of veterans that have real problems. The afflicted die on the vine alongside the malingerers.

  3.  

    Gastone, you asked

    "

    Have you had an appointment with your VMC Sleep Dept, for a review of your current SA DX and to discuss your concerns regarding your Sleep P02 Sat levels? Seeing a VA Sleep Clinician would"

    Honestly, I'm learning now that I was perhaps hasty when applying for compensation. I'm learning much from this site. Additionally, I'm constantly doing a self check to assure myself that I am worthy of compensation, that my case is righteous, and that I am not taking the attention from someone that needs it more. 

    I have had no contact with the VA other than applying for compensation on E-benefits and they have not contacted me. I wouldn't know how to visit a VMC nor how to conduct myself. I guess I'm thinking that I should wait and see.

    Even working through Tricare Prime, my PCM and the sleep study referral, I feel like I'm in some kind of process that I'm waiting to see how it plays out. I am on CPAP and I feel it's making a difference, but I've had no discussions with anyone about my concerns over the study and what it says to me on paper. 

    Its disconcerting and I'm making an appointment with my PCM to ask some questions. I talked with a technician from the sleep study and she thought I should wait until they have gathered some data from the CPAP. 

    As far as my claim, I am still in a gathering evidence phase with a caveat that says that they are waiting on evidence that is overdue. I called the VA Region and after some time they were able to tell me that I owed them no evidence but couldn't explain what was overdue. I've been wanting to ask for my "C" File, but what that accomplish if they haven't received all the information yet?

     

  4. Cooter and Gastone, thanks for your responses. I tend to agree with you both. The problem is that since mentioning Some symptoms with my new Tricare Prime primary care physician during a physical, I have not spoken with a Physician since. She referred me for a sleep study and based on that, I was given a CPAP by a technician. The DX came in the mail.

    I've been on it for a couple of months now and I'm assuming that they will follow up with me after receiving some data. I know that some data reaches them via magic, but I'm not sure if it gathers as much info as the sleep study did. I think it just measures usage and apnaic events. 

    Tricare Prime covers most of the expenses, but I thought it should be fully covered since I was also DXd on active duty for the same thing, although not as severe. That is why I applied for compensation initially. I'm sure the CPAP is doing its work. I'm probably just overthinking this. I never thought it was such a big deal before. 

    Thanks to everyone for your help. I'll just wait until the dust clears and take it from there.

  5. Thanks Mr. A...agreed. I know this must make me look like an inexperienced outpatient. That's because I am. In the military, I was not a sick bay commando and nothing much changed post retirement.  Now I have serious health concerns (perhaps) and a financial claim of entitlement. I'm just trying to make the right decisions that won't require amending.

  6. I suppose I either didn't phrase my question well enough or there is no one out there with enough medical experience to give me advice.

    I'm concerned that I have non apnaic events where I am low O2 or by inference, high carbon dioxide. Therefore, the CPAP may not provide the most protection against brain damage or even death. No worries, I will ask my doctor this. I was hoping there was some precedence out there or someone could help me with the termonogy.

    Does anyone know whether or not the CPAP measures O2 levels?

    Thanks, in advance.

  7. Gastone, in another thread I posted my sleep study while on active duty and one recently. The active duty one diagnosed me with mild OSA but no low O2. Recommended CPAP. The recent one diagnosed very severe OSA with low O2; however, they prescribed CPAP, but no O2. After reading some recent posts, including yours, I think I should be asking why not. 

    For all, I wish I had been using the machine all along. I have most symptoms associated with SA but for the last 14 years, since retirement, I have attributed them to "getting old". NOT SO! In the 2 months since forcing myself to wearing a full face mask, most symptoms have nearly disappeared. I'm not groggy all day needing a nap and never feeling completely rested. My mind is clearer and I'm less irritable. I really am refreshed. My wife no longer wakes me in a panic out of fear from my unforced breath holds and I no longer snore at all. My growing short term memory loss is still a problem; perhaps the damage is permanent or a result of something else...old age.

    Use your machine if you truly need one. I found it easier to find a seal and be more comfortable when I put it on about 15 min. before sleep while watching tv.

    Pardon my verbosity and I'm off my soap box.

  8. 17 hours ago, Gastone said:

    If at anytime in the future, you get a DX of Pulmonary Hypertension, or get a DX of a periodic Low Pulse 02 (below 90%), requiring supplemental 02 with your CPAP, be prepared to file an FDC for Secondaries to your SA and an increase to 100% for your SA.

    As for Redacted, just black out your identifying info and scan as a Pdf to attach to your posts. The more info we have, the easier and less time consuming the help process can be.

    Was this claim, an FDC?

    Semper Fi

    Gastone, the studies show low O2, I believe (see attached file) and possible hypertension was mentioned; however, I was prescribed CPAP only. Yes, the claim was an FDC. I have a question concerning this site. Has anyone ever heard of a claimant being discriminated by their RO because they post things here?

    OSA with SC.pdf

  9. Gastone, thanks for your reply. I'm not sure what nor how to post a redacted copy. I have no problem with it. Does the VA review this site and would it be harmful?

    What I meant by easy is that I applied for SC sleep apnea. Two years prior to retirement I was diagnosed with possible SA. I was referred to a sleep study that diagnosed me with mild obstructive sleep apnea and recommended CPAP and surgery on my uvula. I submitted the sleep study and medical records. I was recently diagnosed and substantiated by Tricare referral sleep study of very sever OSA and I have been using a CPAP. Based on all I've read here and learned elsewhere, this is a clear case. Yet, I have heard nothing except gathering evidence. In fact, this whole week, I have been unable to get any status (error message) from e-benefits. I am in the San Diego area and the VFW is my VSO and they do not respond to any query. 

    I'm sure that I'm in a waiting situation. I can wait and not check regularly, but I'm also told that if I miss an appointment for a C&P exam, I start over. Everyone says this is the way things are done with the VA. However, that's never been a very good excuse. 

    It's nice to see that others get more timely service though.

     

  10. Thanks Victor,

    It sounds like you've been on quite a ride. The waiting game is nothing new for a career serviceman.

    I'm fortunate that my affliction was diagnosed and Tricare has me on CPAP. I actually feel a big difference. I get a good nights rest and many of the symptoms have improved. My memory is slow to recover, however. They say the second thing that goes is one's memory anyway.

    I wish you well.

  11. This whole process is bonkers. My VSO is the VFW. They have helped me by returning one phone call after my leaving several voice mails and e-mails. The lady told me that they have access to my file and if my claim was denied to let them know and they would help me. One end of the pendulum to the other.

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