ICBMCOLONEL

Berta/Buck52/JBasser, Thanks for all of your answers! Berta, yes, the OSA diagnosis and treatment are well-documented in my records. As to the other conditions I listed, they are all documented on my Separation History Physical Exam that was completed by my military treatment facility on base. As to the OSA and restrictive lung disease, here's a little more background: Six years ago (on active duty) I was diagnosed severe OSA. Since then, I have religiously used the CPAP with good results. About two years ago, I began having symptoms of dyspnea and chest pains. My wife noted that my lips were blue when I woke up in the morning. One Monday when the chest pains began to scare me, I headed to the emergency room where I would spend the next eight hours receiving tests. It was at that visit that doctors first noted my SPO2 levels dropping into the mid- to low-80s as I was sitting reclined on the hospital bed. I was prescribed oxygen immediately. Tests revealed my heart is in great shape (other than an aortic aneurysm of 4.3 cm) and my lungs were clear save for a few nodules and "cackling" sounds heard by the doctor with her stethoscope. Also, my PFTs indicated "Lung volumes show moderate restrictive ventilatory defect with total lung capacity 60-69% predicted". Noting my "blue lips" upon waking, a sleep study was conducted soon afterwards which indicated my SPO2 levels dropped to 88% and below for an hour and a half, cumulatively overnight, even though I was properly using my CPAP during the study. The sleep doctor recommended I begin using 3ml of oxygen therapy with my CPAP therapy to correct the problem. She noted "He had no respiratory symptoms until he was exposed to desert dust and burn pits while in the military, and can still participate in military training exercises, though finds it takes more effort and is more tiresome than it was in the past". I'm thinking that if the restrictive lung disease isn't connected to any of the other conditions, then maybe it'll be "presumptive" as a result of my Gulf War service ('90-'91). Anyway, on a side note, I pushed "Send" on my VA claim this past Wednesday. On Thursday, a VA rep called me with a couple clarifying questions related to my claim (I submitted tons of records). On Friday, the claim was forwarded for evaluation. I hope the evaluation goes as quickly and is favorable, too! Again, thank you all for the great discussion!

Berta, Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, my sleep apnea was diagnosed 6 years ago while I was on active duty (still on active duty now until 31 August 2021). In addition to the restrictive lung disease (with outpatient oxygen therapy) and sleep apnea, I’ve been diagnosed with migraines, high blood pressure, lower back pain and sciatica (receiving shots to relieve pain in legs and feet from this), hearing loss (prescribed hearing aids), tinnitus, mild aortic aneurysm. The pulmonologist and sleep doctor did mention my exposure to burn pits in their notes without specifically attributing the exposure to the conditions. As you see, there are a number of issues for the examiner to review from my 36+ years active duty.

Hello all! I’m new here to the community and would like to ask a question. I’m still active duty and will retire this Fall. As a result, I’m submitting my VA claim now in the hopes that it will be completed upon my retirement. One of my claims will be related to restrictive lung disease (likely attributed to obesity, though I did have exposure to burn pits in the first Gulf War and am on the VA’s burn pit registry). I have been on outpatient oxygen therapy for almost two years now (have a prescription from my primary provider for an oxygen concentrator). Specifically, I use it at night to supplement my CPAP therapy. I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea over 6 years ago, and nearly 2 years ago had a sleep study completed at a state hospital which indicated my SPO2 levels were at 88% or below (while using the CPAP) for an hour and a half overnight. The sleep doctor recommended I use oxygen (3 ml) in addition to my CPAP therapy. My sleep and health has improved since. My pulmonologist ruled out asthma, and my PFTs indicated mild restrictive lung disease; however, she also recommended oxygen therapy with my CPAP therapy. Additionally, my pulmonologist indicated she believes the restrictive lung disease to be caused by my obesity. I know I will receive 50% disability for the sleep apnea. Will I receive 100% disability for the restrictive lung disease (requires outpatient oxygen therapy) even if it’s caused by my obesity (assuming service connection)? Thanks in advance for your answers.