tdiu Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Sleep Apnea

[Penelope]

I want to thank all that have answered my post about an increase rating. I have been doing some research on Sleep Apnea and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I would appreciate opinions on the following:

From the CDC site:

http://' target="_blank">Other Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms

"In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined, frequently treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue. Diagnosis of any of these conditions would exclude a definition of CFS unless the condition has been treated sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms. These include hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, major depressive disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders*, subacute infections, obesity, alcohol or substance abuse, and reactions to prescribed medications."

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in December 2008. I have been on the CPAP machine since January 2009. My rating for CFS has been in effect since 1990 at 30% and since 1994 at 60%. Although the CPAP does help with the sleep apnea, and I am no longer complaining to the Dr. of the severe symptoms that I expereinced last year, it has not helped my CFS. For example in the past few days, not working, I have slept almost constantly. Maybe being up only 3-4 hours a day for 3 days. For the most part of the awake time, I have not had the energy to do much other than sit at the computer.

Does the above information from CDC preclude Sleep Apnea as being secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? This all being said, CDC does say that Sleep Apnea is secondary to Fibromylagia, which is an overlapping condition of CFS and often confused with one another.

Does this mean that if the Doctors write and state that Sleep Apnea has been treated by CPAP sufficiently to determine that it is not the cause of my CFS but is secondary to my CFS in this particular case is that enough to qualify me for the rating for Sleep Apnea.

I am sorry to say that I don't quite understand how this would work and would appreciate the opinions.

If sleep apnea is ruled out by this quote as being secondary, then I believe what I would need to do is wait until I am no longer working and then apply for unemployability. My BVA decision says that no further exams are required for my CFS.

Again, Thanks for your time.

[carlie]

From the CDC site:

Other Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms

"In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined, frequently treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue. Diagnosis of any of these conditions would exclude a definition of CFS unless the condition has been treated sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms. These include hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, major depressive disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders*, subacute infections, obesity, alcohol or substance abuse, and reactions to prescribed medications."

Does the above information from CDC preclude Sleep Apnea as being secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? This all being said, CDC does say that Sleep Apnea is secondary to Fibromylagia, which is an overlapping condition of CFS and often confused with one another.

In my opinion CDC and internet print outs state situations that maybe possible for some people.

It does not relate directly to you in any way that would provide for a grant or increase in your SC.

Does this mean that if the Doctors write and state that Sleep Apnea has been treated by CPAP sufficiently to determine that it is not the cause of my CFS but is secondary to my CFS in this particular case is that enough to qualify me for the rating for Sleep Apnea.

NO.

If your doctor will write something like, in my medical opinion the veterans SA is

at least as likely as not a secondary medical condition that is a result of her SC'd CFS,

and then shows the doc's medical rationale to support their opinion.

That would be beneficial to you in a claim for SA, secondary.

This is only my opinion and at times my opinion stinks, but I feel fairly

confident in this.

carlie

[carlie]

Penelope,

You might want to put Sleep Apnea into the Hadit search engine

for your research, also check BVA decisions,

http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.html

carlie

[Penelope]

Penelope,

You might want to put Sleep Apnea into the Hadit search engine

for your research, also check BVA decisions,

http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.html

carlie

Carlie -- Thank you very much. I will check it out.

[pacmanx1]

I think Carlie is right, If your doctor writes a statement that he believes that your sleep anpea is related to your already service connected CFS, you will be fine. Just keep in mind VA math means 60% plus 40% would give you 76 which is rounded and combined to only a total of 80%