MI_VETERAN

I recently completed a 5 1/2 year Enlistment with the US Army on Sep 03, 2008. I was recently diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea through a sleep study during November, 2009 and on June 2010 received my CPAP machine. During my second deployment to Iraq in 2007 I spoke to an army physician during a sick call visit complaining about fatigue throughout my day, an inability to concentrate during work, kind of a problem since I was an intelligence Analyst providing Intel support to a BDE, and that I wake up several times during the night choking on thick phlegm and mucus. He told me these symptoms sound like Sleep Apnea. He perscribed a buterol inhaler and told me that it should break up the mucus in my throat if I use it before I fall asleep and that it would help me sleep through the night. He recommended that I used it again in the morning to help break up whatever was left over from the night before. He told me that this was all he could do for my sleep apnea but that I should consult the VA once I ETS after returning from Iraq. I have the form from this visit with me at home with my military records. I have several negative counseling statements given to me by NCOs reguarding my memory issues, such as forgetting my ID, losing my weapon, they weren't very happy, and several other things. I received an Article 15 for months of negative counselings for sleeping through formations and not being at the proper place of duty. I have 5 written buddy letters from my Ex-wife and 4 Army soldiers who were deployed with me during my first and second deployment, one of them who was my Squad leader and present with me during my Sick call visit I previously described. My question is do I have a legitimate Service connected sleep apnea claim. I also have a claim for a pre-existing condition of Ezcema, which was made worse by the temperature changes, dust and severe dry heat of Iraq leading to a 3 year flare up to which I was prescribed a corticosteroid through the VA, which has yet to go away. My intent is not to waste the VA's time and I would like to make sure before I file for disability. If anyone has any helpful opinions about my next course of action I would appreciate it.