Today I received what I had hoped to be "Good News". But Noooooo! I was denied!!
Sleep Apnea, bi-lateral knee increase and Hypertension now 0 percent service connection (only plus). I had to retire under disability from the USPS with 33 years because of my service connected disablities. I submitted a claim for Obstructed Sleep Apnea and Hypertension secondary to my knees and having had Sarcoidosis in my lungs, and 18 months of prednisone treatments in the early 80's. The VA Doctor who did the C&P in Aug at the Albany, VAMC stated "The veteran had a pillar procedure in an attempt to correct a flaccid soft palate. This, rather than central fat deposits, was more likely than not the cause of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea."
I am SC 40%, 30% for bi lateral Osgood- Sclatter's Disease, 10% for tinnitus , Sarcoidosis 0%, 0% for hearing loss. I submitted various VA-4142's, VA 21-4138 from my wife along with 2 sleep studies, one conducted at the VA.
My Family DR. wrote it up "as least as likely as not" caused by Service Connected Bi-Lateral Osgood- Sclatter's Disease and lateral meniscus tear/right knee. Due to his physical limitations he is unable to participate in cardio-vascular exercise, this has led to his weight increase, obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension.
To add another bit of info, I had the Pillar Procedure done in May 2006 for severe snoring at the VA which helped for several months, it wasn't successful. The C&P Dr even stated that it "failed".
I met and was treated in the VA Hospital in 1981 by my family Doctor! He was a resident there. He has been my PCP since then, so he is completely familiar with my medical history.
The denial letter said that my Doctor didn't review my SMR and the C&P Doctor did. WTF????
The decision also stated that I was seen at the Buffalo VAMC, wrong.
They left out thePillar Procedure done at the Albany, VAMC completely. They didn't review the VA clinic notes which showed my BP on two separate occassions over 100 distolic. Instead they showed the C&P BP = 125/ 90, 122/92 and 125/95 ( on medication )
They stated that I had arthroscopic surgery to repair my lateral meniscus tear /right knee - Not True
I feel I have been, like many here completely let down by the system. There were many other technical mistakes made in the decision and C&P. What are your suggestions? I haven't been able to get a hold of my VSO. Please Help! Thank You!!