John1962

Thank you all for answering my questions. So let me amplify: 2011 SC Hypothorid 10% SC residuals of partial collectomy resulting from diverticulitis 30% SC hypertension 0% (weird because I’m on 3 meds but since I’m not knocking on deaths door, they rated at 0%) Filed NOD 2013 Filed for sinuses Filed for tinnitus Filed for GERD Hypertension still got rated at 0%. I didn’t continue with the appeals process. 2015 GERD not SC NOD filed (Again, weird because I was prescribed Prilosec while on active duty) Tinnitus not SC NOD filed (significant hearing loss documented in my MSR while I was on 2 aircraft carriers.) Filed for sleep apnea Sinuses SC 0% NOD filed 2017 Complex sleep apnea not SC (sleep dr even provided a nexus letter saying it was as likely that I had it in service and most of my adult life) NOD filed 2018 Sinuses 50% effective the date of my C&P exam (Jul 2017) Sleep apnea not SC Tinnitus not SC Its been a long road, but at least I made it to 70%. Still debating if I should appeal for sleep apnea and tinnitus.

Good day everyone. I’m new to the site, so if this is already answered, please point me in the right direction. If any of you reading this are new have a pending claim...Don’t give up! It’s a long battle but well worth it. I am a retired Navy E-8 with 21 years. I submitted some claims in 2011. Got to 30% and filed additional claims in 2013. I appealed in 2015 and it has taken this long to get my DRO decision and I finally made it to 70% (and of course they used my C&P date of 2017). I received a my award in one packed that was specifically and only for sinuses. I also received a second notification approving my sinus claim, but they said my tinnitus and gerd are not service connected. My question is 1) if I appeal, will the VA still pay me at 70% while I’m still appealing tinnitus and gerd, and 2) I have no new evidence to submit, so should I even appeal? last question is I also received a non-service connected rating for complex sleep apnea. It was never documented in my medical record, but my sleep dr. submitted a letter stating I likely had it all my adult life and is was just as likely I had it while I was in the military. Should I continue the appeal in this case? If I do appeal, will they affect any of my previous awards getting me to 70%?