hypertension Was Denied W/ Osa(sleep Apnea) - Need Advice (berta?..)

[bob_abad]

Hello,

I recently received a denial of my OSA from Re-open file claim. My original claim is my OSA was induced and associated with having both DM-II and High Blood Pressure(Hypertension).

> They said that it was over 30 years after military discharge

> They also said that my OSA is positively not associated w/ AO exposure.

> There was no supporting doc from my private doctor that it was associated w/ AO. This was expected as the sleep doctor is clueless w/ AO.

Here's my current health status re: OSA

> I have had OSA since the late 70's with no record to support it. Didn't know what it was then. My former mates, wife & grown children are my only witness. Been elbowed many-many times at nights as my snoring was loud, weired sound, periodically stop breathing, etc..

> I have gained weight also for the past 4 decades. From 165 to 240 lbs.

> in Y2002, it became so severe that I finally went to a sleep center & the sleep doctor recommended to use CPAP. Been using it since then, sleeping better, much rested, much alert in driving, not sleepy anymore @work..

Hints and tips is much appreciated if I can appeal this denial. Would like to give it another shot as I am stuck w/ CPAP for life. If not feasible or waste of my time, it is okay by me also. Hear from you soon.

Thanks in advance!

[Berta]

I strongly suggest that you find a good IMO doctor who has the expertise to fully support your claim.

I always recommend Dr. Bash for IMOS and there are other doctors out there- as he is NeuroRadiologist-but you can contact him to see if this would be within his expertise.

These IMos can be expensive but many vets continually bang their head against a wall when they try to get the VA to SC conditions like this.

It usually takes a strong independent medical opinion from a real doctor to make these claims succeed.

Also your inservice mates might be able to provide buddy statements as to fact of your snoring and your SMRs-have you checked them as well for anything that could help?

It is known in the standard medical community that DMII has an association to sleep apnea.

VA is the substandard medical community so they dont know that.

Dr. Bash could be contacted here:

http://www.veteransmedadvisor.com/

and there are other doctors on the net who can prepare the type of opinion you need.

They will need the SMRS, med recs, copy of last denial etc- Copy of C & Ps etc, and if the never prepared an IMO for the V before- print out a copy of my topic Getting an Independent Medical Opinion available under our search button.

[bob_abad]

Berta,

Thanks for your time, and the update..

[Ricky]

Bob, this is going to be a hard one. OSA is associated with both HTN and DMII. However, the current thought process by the medical community, is that the association is that OSA aggravates HTN and DMII vs they cause OSA. During episodes caused by OSA it puts a strain on the cardio system and increase your blood sugar.

Hopefully DR. Bash can help you as Berta had provided. Most if not all sleep doctors will not provide a IMO especially if as you have stated you have gained weight and considered to be obese for the number one cause of OSA is obesity.

If it had only been 2 or 5 years after service and you had some complaints of tiredness or problems sleeping in your SMR's even if you were heavy set, it would be much, much better.

I am sorry and know that you do not want to hear this but with a 30 year gap, no complaints in your SMR's, and a large weight gain and even a 6 year gap after your sleep studies I truly do not feel that this is a claim that is winnable. jmho for I am not a doctor, however, every thing you have to present is against your claim right from the starting gate.