navyguy357

Yes I have a documented stressor in my record and have been seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist to help.

I'm currently talking setraline, hydroyzine, and prazosin to get a diagnosis for PTSD. Sleeping has improved and I am better able to get through the day at work and personal life without having panic attacks or nightmares. Symptoms have not gone away completely but better. Is the medication I'm taking normally linked to PTSD or are they the beginning medicine that doctors start with? I've been working on getting my diagnosis for about 4 months now and my record states my diagnosis for PTSD is not yet confirmed. I'm thinking the doctor is waiting on me to state medicine is working or is better so she can make the diagnosis or change medication. She has changed dosage a couple of times already. How should I proceed before making a claim?

Do I have a case to appeal to get back pay to my initial predischarge exam? Honorably discharged March 2005 with 30% disability. Received 0% SC for restricted lung disease (claimed as obstructive sleep apnea- this is exactly how it is written on my VA decision letter at predischarged exam). Service medical records with documented issues of sleep disorders 2012- Sleep Study diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea -( Naval Hospital referral 3rd party) 2016- Sleep study diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea, issued CPAP Filed claim for sleep apnea in Jan. 2017 Granted 50% for obstructive sleep apnea. My decision letter states: The examiner indicates the new dagnosis is a correction of the previous erroneous diagnosis. There is no current diagnosis of restrictive lung disease. You were previous denied because you failed to complete a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. My question....Do I have a case to appeal to get back pay to my initial predischarge exam (2005) and not to my intent to file in Jan. 2017

I need advice......................... I had my C&P exam today with LHI for 1). Hypertension service connected claiming for worsening 2). Restrictive lung disease service connected claim sleep apnea as a secondary. This is what happened: They took 3 readings 160/100 140/100 140/100 and she took my copy of my log which show readings taken twice a day with an average in the morning of 142/106 and in the afternoon 139/98 (with medication). The doctor instructed me that I was scheduled to be here to be seen for worsening of restrictive lung disease and she told me that it would be better for me to file a new claim for sleep apnea and not secondary to restrictive lung disease. This was after we discussed my documentation. She didn't even entertain that the two could be related and possibly misdiagnosed. She did give me a PFT to see if my lung disease worsen. 1. I have to wait on the PFT result to see if the results are in my favor........If the results are, do I need to do a claim for worsening or does my appt today count for that and I will get an increase automatic? 2 Do I do a new claim for sleep apnea? I have two sleep studies now , one being from VA that states severe sleep apnea and a CPAP prescribed. I have medical evidence while in service that I was seen for sleep disorder and symptoms. My VA rep instructed me to do the sleep apnea as a secondary to restrictive lung disease and said not to do a new claim for sleep apnea since I was already service connected for restrictive lung disease. 3. Will I get an increase for my blood pressure?

Great advice! I am just worried that they will examine me for restrictive lung disease (service connected but claimed as sleep apnea) and will see that it is not severe enough to cause my sleep apnea even though I have two sleep studies with one being from VA prescribing me a CPAP and also my blood pressure is good as l0ng as I'm taking my medication so it may or my not be high during my examination.

I have an appt with LHI to do my C & P exam for my two claims: 1. Service connected restrictive lung disease, claiming worsening for sleep apnea and 2. Hypertension also service connected, claiming worsening What can I expect at this exam? Although I am service connected for restrictive lung disease, I am claiming sleep apnea because I have two sleep studies with diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea, one is with VA and they prescribed me a CPAP that I am using now. Also on my decision letter it states that I claimed sleep apnea while in service but they gave me restrictive lung disease service connected. My hypertension is service connected with a prescription prescribed while in service and it has worsened.

I haven't asked. Should I? Should I have them make a note in my record of they side with me?

Yes I have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP. I'm doing a secondary to restrictive lung disease since it is in my record that I originally claimed sleep apnea but they diagnosed as restrictive lung disease service connected at 0%.

Yes I have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP. I'm doing a secondary to restrictive lung disease since it is in my record that I originally claimed sleep apnea but they diagnosed as restrictive lung disease service connected at 0%.

What medical records do I need to submit for my claim? I know the obvious such as snoring, dry mouth and breathing issues. What about records on other possible symptoms of sleep apnea, obesity, high blood pressure and headaches?

I spoke with Dr. Ellis office this morning after reviewing some positive comments here on the forum. I will begin putting my package together and see what happens. Any idea how I can get copies of my VA records, because they are not on Myheathvet or Ebenefits.

Why would VA diagnose me as having restrictive lung disease and not what I claim sleep apnea? and why does it say just that as my disability, "restrictive lung disease (claimed as sleep apnea)"

I spoke with my Veteran Specialist who will help me file the claim. He looked through all my records and could not see why they diagnosed me respiratory lung disease. I did have a visit or two that pointed to symptoms of sleep apnea while on active duty but they prescribed me nasal strips not referred for sleep study. The VSO told me I would be better filing for a new claim with all the documentation I have now (which isn't strong) along with a Nexus letter from a pulmonary doctor stating that my sleep apnea most likely begun while on active duty, along with my current VA doctor making a note in my record stating the same.