Arty123

Thank you. I'm at 80% now with 50% PTSD 50% sleep apnea and 10% tinnitus I don't think I have any other problems that I can file a claim for. I am VA diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and chronic rhinitis from '08 after returning back from Iraq but had 2 sinus surgeries that did alleviate all the problems I was having from it. I know those are on the new presumptive list. Also have high BP and cholesterol but those are under control with medication.

Just wanted to update the thread to let ya'll know I was awarded sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. I feel very fortunate because a lot of veterans are denied outright or have to go through the long process of appeals etc. For others pondering if they want to try file the same claim this was my process: have been rated PTSD since 2008. Did a sleep study and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. None of the doctors at the VA said they could write a nexus letter for me so with the help of this board I contacted Dr David Anaise and sent him my medical information. He then wrote a very detailed nexus letter with studies linking my sleep apnea with PTSD. Once I had everything together I filed a claim through the american legion and 4 months later I was approved. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you very much for that information. I will contact that Doctor on Monday and see what he says. His price seems much more reasonable and fair and I think would be worth it. If I get sleep apnea that would move me from 60% total to 80% and that a pretty substantial bump. I read your docket and he did a very nice job with the write up. Thanks again for all of your help

Thank ya'll for all the helpful responses. Now just need to find a doc to write a nexus letter.

I'm rated since 2008 at 50% for PTSD. Also, 10% for tinnitus. I was just diagnosed at the VA with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP. I was wanting to file for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. I have the diagnoses but need to find a doctor to write a nexus letter. The pulmonologist and my PCP said that they could not write the nexus so thinking of using something like valor for vets and would like opinions using a service like that. My second question is I know the VA is changing the percentages from 50% if you're prescribed a CPAP to 0%. I don't know exactly when the changes go into effect but when they do and if I do file will they go by file date or decision letter date? For example if I file April 1st, the VA officially makes the changes May 1st, and my decision is June 1st will they go by the filing date or decision date? Thank You, Chad