[Sleep Apnea Secondary to Bronchiecstasis Denied]

Hi all,

Just wanted to try to get some guidance.

I was recently awarded an increase in benefits, from 60% to 90%. I am very thankful for that.

I previously was at 60% for Bronchiecstasis, Asthma, Lung Infiltrates SC, then I submitted claim for Anxiety and was awarded 70%, which puts me at a combined rating of 90%.

My issue is that I also submitted for Sleep Apnea, but did it as a new claim, not as secondary. From what I have been learning, I should have submitted the Sleep Apnea as secondary to my lung conditions. My primary doc tells me that I have CPAP and Obstructive Sleep Apnea because of all my lung issues.  I plan on re-submitting with the help of DAV and trying to let them know that this is secondary due to all my lung diagnoses.

Also when they re evaluated me, they left my asthma, lung infiltrates, and bronchiecstasis the same rating at 60%, but  my condition changed from when I had submitted it. I actually am now on Bactrim, prophylactic meds (antibiotic) , and 40mg Prednisone (Steroids)for the last year. I was not on prednisone when I initially filed for VA benefits.  I was also Rx'ed Xolair infusions which I have to admit myself to hospital every 14 days. I don't think they saw this, even though I provided all records, and they left me at 60% asthma and lung condition with no increase on that. I think that made a big difference because that increase in lung diagnosis would have put me at 100% instead of 90%.

Any suggestions? I was looking online to try to get a lawyer, but I don't knw if I should just go with DAV which are the VBO who helped me before.

Thank you all in advance.

[Claim Complete, Went from 60% to 90% now]

3 hours ago, R3dneck said:

Hooray!!

They will send you a form to appeal what they denied. You could try to do a reconsider but that could take months for an answer which would ultimately delay filing for an appeal if it's denied again.

 

thank you sir awesome info

[Claim Complete, Went from 60% to 90% now]

Thank so much for your help Dick Hill, and R3dneck.

 

Much appreciated

[Claim Complete, Went from 60% to 90% now]

Good News!

 

I was awarded 90% (Changed from 60%) for Asthma, Bronchiecstasis, lung infiltrates and Anxiety.

Here is what I claimed:

• Bronchiecstasis, Asthma, lung infiltrates: Awarded 60%
• Anxiety: adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood: Awarded 70%
• Aspergilliosis: Not service connected
• Sleep Apnea: Not service connected

It all happened very fast, below is my timeline for re evaluation:

• Aug 2016 Intent to file
• July 1st, 2017, submitted claim and medical records, and DBQs from PCP
• July 19th, 2017, QTC C & P, Lung Disease
• Aug 8th, 2017, QTC C & P, Anxiety
• Sep 1st, 2017, Preparation for Decision
• Sep 5th, 2017, Preparation for Notification
• Sep 8th, 2017, Marked complete on ebenefits
• Sep 9th, 2017, (Saturday), Deposit into my bank for $814.
• Sep 13th, 2017, as of today, still not letter from the VA.

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I could do to appeal the Sleep apnea denial. I am grateful for the 90%, but I would like to know what happened and how they came up with the decisions.

What would be the easiest ways to get my C-File and my C & P records?

Once again, thank you all for your help and input. This site has always been awesome to me!

[UPDATE: My claim went to 'PREPARATION FOR DECISION']

Thank you!

 

jfrei, no I do not, I have been told that it is a bit harder to get the C&P report from QTC. I was going to wait until they made a decision but I am not sure if that would make a difference in the process.

[UPDATE: My claim went to 'PREPARATION FOR DECISION']

HI All,

I just checked ebenefits and my claim went from Gathering of Evidence to Prep for Decision.

I submitted intent to file on 8/2016, submitted my fully developed claim with all records and diagnosis needed on 7/2017, had a C&P for re-evaluation for Asthma, Sleep Apnea, Bronchiecstatis, Restrictive Lung Diesease, Aspergilliosis on 7/19/2017 at QTC, had another C&P for Mental Health (Anxiety) on 8/9/2017 at QTC.

Today, 9/1/17, it was changed to Prep for Decision.

I just wanted to share the update on my claim with my fellow vets, since this website has helped me a lot and there a lot of good people helping vets here.

Granted it was a re-eval from 60% SC to ???, I think It has been moving pretty fast, just hope that the actual decision phase comes soon.

 

[Anxiety C & P Completed]

2 hours ago, Buck52 said:

It sounds like you had a Fair C&P and a good Dr.

but be aware of the things they mention  until you can get her Report Back.

Read what she mention in her report and what boxes she checked.

Much Appreciated, Buck52.

I was looking into how to get my C & P report. I might have to wait a bit. But I am hoping all is well.

Thanks again!

 

[Anxiety C & P Completed]

Good Morning,

Just wanted to share my experience during my Anxiety C & P. This site has helped me so much...I plan on sharing what is going on with everyone.

So I had my Anxiety C & P yesterday at QTC. Very nice Doctor, that asked me so many questions. She asked me about my childhood and about my time in the service. We went over limitations at work and recent transfers due to accommodation from my employer because they were made aware that I am a disabled vet due to my Restrictive Lung Disease. The Doctor was nice enough to tell me to look out for things like this with employer, because they are not supposed to treat me any different unless I ask for accomodations of my job performance is declining. I think that was very nice of her.

I think it went really well, she did mention that she knows that Respiratory Disease and Anxiety, short term memory loss,  go hand in hand and that she feels like this is brought on or aggravated by my Bronchiecstasis, Aspergilliosis, Sleep Apnea, and Asthma. She was very well prepared and surprised me because she mentioned things about my medical condition that you would not know of unless you read my file. She took the time to review my file beforehand. At one time she told me "I noticed that the provider mentioned on your previous C & P that she believes this disease is related to your service" I told her I was not aware of anything from my previous C & P because my is still being worked on. She mentioned that she noticed that I was very proud of my service, and that she sees a lot of vets that come in to the appointment and are negative, and are angry at the VA or angry at the system, and that some veterans think that the doctors and the VA are there to hurt them and go against them. She told me "I do not sense that from you, because I can tell you are proud of your service, and you have an actual disease that is affecting your quality of life." I told her it was the best thing I have done in my life. She asked me "if you knew that you would get this Lung Disease before I joined what would you have done?" I told her I would do it all over again without hesitation.

FYI: She did take a lot of notes while I was talking and I think I was starting to get a bit anxious during the exam. At one point she noticed I was fidgety and moving around a lot. She did her best to make me feel relaxed. And I did get a bit sentimental, which I hate doing in front of people, when she asked me what am I afraid of. I told her I am afraid of the future for my children, not being able to be there for them is the scariest thing in the world, because I have noticed and felt the limitations and the seriousness of my condition, that I have a feeling of uncertainty.

She took about 40 minutes with me, offered to check me out instead of lining up at the front desk, and told me she would type of the report, send it to VA the same day, and they go from there.

Sorry for the long rant, just wanted to share my experience.

 

[Second request: Medical Opinion Needed??? Anxiety secondaty to Respiratory Disease]

On ‎8‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 6:42 PM, broncovet said:

Also, it helps get more answers to be a little precise about what the topic is.  Dont say, in your topic heading, "need help".  Yea, we know you need help, but so does the March of Dimes.  

So say, "C and P exam for panic attacks".  We can not give "medical opinions" as we are not doctors and to get a medical opinion you need to go to a doctor.  

Got it. Noted, that makes sense. Thanks again!

[Second request: Medical Opinion Needed??? Anxiety secondaty to Respiratory Disease]

On ‎8‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 6:38 PM, broncovet said:

Probably the reason your question was not answered the first time, is that its well known ebenefits is out of date, and unreliable, so many of us prefer not to speculatate on what ebenefits is saying, because, well its like me telling you what to make of what my 5 year old neigbor girl thinks of my claim.  

As far as an "anxiety" C and P exam, our advice on c and p exams are not a lot different.  

1.  You should show up for the exam early, and prepared to answer a basic question:

2.  That question is "How are you today?"   Most of us automatically say "fine" but that may not be your best answer for a C and p exam, as you may be "backpedaling the whole exam.    Instead, you should use this opportunity to tell the reviewer what happened on your WORST DAy.    For example, lets say you had a panic attack on Thrusday, and you had to go to the emergency room.   So, in response to the examiner's question, "how are you?", a response might be:  "Im much better than Thrusday, when I went to the ER with a panic attack.  I dont know when the next panic attack will occur, but I also had a similar one last month that resulted in an ER visit"    So, have your answered prepared to the simple, "how are you".  Dont ever lie, but do not minimize your symptoms either (I am fine).  Tell the doc what happened in your worst day.  Everyone has good days and bad days, so if you are feeling great today, tell him about when things werent so well.  

3.  Take notice of the examiner\s name and credentials.  Important.  Its okay to ask him if he is a doctor, PA, nurse, or whatever.  I also think its good to ask him if he has experience treating panic attacks, and what that experience is.  Keep this information handy, it may be very valuable later, in case you have to dispute the examiners credentials.   Often, the VA pawns off on us unqualifed examiners, and this exam is valid UNLESS you dispute it.  

4.  Get a copy of the exam ASAP, its also even ok to ask the examiner for one.  He may not give it to you, but be polite anyway.  

5.  Be polite, dont exaggerate symptoms, but dont understate them either.  

Hi Broncovet,

 

I apologize for the late reply, I was feeling sick I ended up in the Hospital, and on bedrest for a few days.

Thank you so much for your input, you always have good feedback and it is much appreciated.

Very good info to know about the Anxiety C & P exam!

[Second request: Medical Opinion Needed??? Anxiety secondaty to Respiratory Disease]

Good Afternoon,

 

I recently noticed an update on my Ebenefits account re: My claim for Asthma, Bronchiecstasis, Aspergilliosis, Sleep Apnea and Anxiety...

 

I had a c & P exam already (7/19/2017), and per the VA, they already have the progress notes from the doctor and the VA has reviewed it...C & P results received at the VA 8/1/17, and they reviewed them 8/11/17.

 

Now they updated my claim to: REQUEST #2 from VA Facility. When I called to see if there is anything I can do, or if another C&P is needed, they told me not to worry, because that is an internal request and they are requesting a medical opinion.

But I just received a call from QTC, they want me to come in for Anxiety C & P. What should I expect from this? 

I was just wondering if this is normal or if I am getting closer to a decision? VA has been very nice every time that I call them. I always have been respectful and they have been to me as well.

[Sleep Apnea filed and sent out for medical opinion?]

I am kinda in the same situation...

My claim on E-benefits went from DOCUMENTS NEEDED FROM OTHERS: SUBMITTED, PENDING REVIEW, and today it turned into Request #2 DOCUMENTS NEEDED FROM OTHERS, PENDING.

My claim is for Asthma, Bronchiecstasis, ABPA, Sleep apnea and now Anxiety. I had a C & P already through QTC.

I called the VA, and rep told me it was nothing needed from me, that they are now waiting for a Medical Opinion and that it is internal.

I did notice that my claim for Anxiety was turned into (secondary) with the Asthma, Bronchiecstasis, ABPA, Sleep apnea claim. So instead of 2 claims, it is one claim with all the medical conditions listed.

Just wanted to share the update, and see if you had any input. This site is the best thing that is out there for Veterans

[New Member, had re-eval C & P at QTC for increase from 60% sc]

Update:

My claim on E-benefits went from DOCUMENTS NEEDED FROM OTHERS: SUBMITTED, PENDING REVIEW, and today it turned into Request #2 DOCUMENTS NEEDED FROM OTHERS, PENDING.

I called the VA, and rep told me it was nothing needed from me, that they are now waiting for a Medical Opinion and that it is internal.

I did notice that my claim for Anxiety was turned into (secondary) with the Asthma, Bronchiecstasis, ABPA, Sleep apnea claim. So instead of 2 claims, it is one claim with all the medical conditions listed.

Just wanted to share the update, and see if you had any input. This site is the best thing that is out there for Veterans!

[New Member, had re-eval C & P at QTC for increase from 60% sc]

16 hours ago, broncovet said:

Of; course I dont know if your sleep apnea will be service connected or not, but if it is, it should increase your rating by 50 percent.  When you use a cpap, and are sc for OSA the rating is 50 percent.  If my guestimate math is correct, combing the 6o percent you are now, plus an additional 50 percent means you should go to 80 percent using the va math.  

Are you currently working?  If you are unable to work, then you should apply for tdiu.  

As far as the other conditions, remember that you wont get paid for any symptom twice.  In other words, if you have the same symptoms with asthma as you do with lung disorder, you get paid for that symptom only once.  

 

Thank you, broncovet.

[New Member, had re-eval C & P at QTC for increase from 60% sc]

Thank you broncovet. I am getting used to the site. I apologize for thelate reply.

[New Member, had re-eval C & P at QTC for increase from 60% sc]

17 hours ago, Pete53 said:

Welcome to Hadit

Thank you, Pete53!

[New Member, had re-eval C & P at QTC for increase from 60% sc]

Greetings from San Diego,

I am a new member. USN 2000-2008. Worked in flight deck onboard carrier, deployed to Persian Gulf, OEF/OIF, Air/V-2 Launch and Recovery Flight Deck. Just had a question regarding my C & R exam at QTC. I am 60% sc Asthma already, and requested increase and added a new diagnosis of Bronchiecstasis, ABPA (Aspregilliosis), OSA (Moderate Sleep Apnea), and Anxiety. Doctor was very nice and I went prepared with all my records, all my medications. A week prior to my exam I had been placed on bed rest for 4 days due to an exacerbation, and the doctor at QTC told me I did not have to do the PFT as I was scheduled for it because I was really sick and wheezing. She said I only had to have my x-ray done and she will send the info to the VA. She said I already had a PFT less than a year ago, and she was actually the same Doctor that saw me in my initial C & P. She took a great amount of time going over future complications from my respiratory conditions.

I showed her new diagnosis of OSA, ABPA, Sleep Apnea, and Anxiety. I am taking Prednisone 20mg daily, Bactrim antibiotic every other day as prophylactic, Zoloft for anxiety, Advair 5/500, Flonase, Albuterol inhaler, Nebulizer, Sporanox for lung fungus, and CPAP machine at home, and I am now on Pulmonary Rehab. She went on to tell me that "in the future the Zoloft could cause erectile dysfunction, and the prednisone could cause other health issues with my bone density." She told me to keep an eye on that. Overall, I had a good experience, but then again, I was there for a reason and she saw that I am really sick.

My question is...How do you think I would be rated? I was at 60% for Asthma (with lung infiltrates, bronchitis). I was not on prednisone, no antibiotics, no CPAP before, (now I am) which is why my VSO advised to submit request for increase and new claim for other Dx. All my records have been provided from my PCP and all confirmed diagnoses and medications. Just waiting.

Initially awarded 60% in Aug 2016. C & P for re-eval was completed in mid July 2017, and now the waiting game.

Thank you in advance.