Sleep Apnea Requested With Claim

[Dano50]

hi,

I recently filed a claim with 3 items on the claim which included 1.Depression, 2.ED and 3. Sleep apnea. The VA has given me two C+P's, one for Ed, and one for depression. Nothing for sleep apnea. This sorta confuses me. Will the VA be able to render an opinion on OSA without the C+P? I had submitted the evidence where my mental health Psyshiatrist requested the sleep study, the interpreting sleep study doctor stated he didnt feel I needed CPAP but my Psychiatrist worked with Pulminologist and got me the CPAP machine. Yes, I am obese but could you state this was part of my mental illness since the Psychiatrist ordered it and wanted me to wear it for better mental health? I guess I'm lost as to if this can be service connected and wouldn't they do a CandP for it or could I have supplied enough information the CandP wasnt needed? I would appreciate any feedback you can give me on this short blurb.

[Dano50]

Dano- are you presently employed?

Do you receive SSA disability- and if so is it for the undifferentiated schizophrenic reaction?

Do you have a vet rep and if so have they suggested you apply for TDIU?

Yes I am working but it is stressful. No SSA. I have a Vet rep and we are working on

some of the issues together. I appreciate your interest in this questions. Thanks.

[Vync]

Dano,

I just got back from the VA's sleep apnea seminar. Basically, they tell you about the problem, some problems which occur if untreated, and tell you about the testing procedure. They also measured my neck and looked in my mouth to see how much room is in there. Here in Birmingham, they contract out to a couple of different hospitals in the area, which are scheduling about three or more months out.

Hopefully this will give you a good idea of what to expect.

[pacmanx1]

I understand we all have different experiences but I told my mental health doctor, to request an in home sleep study. Since I have problems falling a sleep and staying asleep and I was sent a complete in home sleep study. I was then diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP machine.

[Vync]

I understand we all have different experiences but I told my mental health doctor, to request an in home sleep study. Since I have problems falling a sleep and staying asleep and I was sent a complete in home sleep study. I was then diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP machine.

Pete992,

That's interesting. The lady said the test needs to be performed in a controlled enviornment. An in-home study seems to make more sense, as people are not always in a controlled environment.

She did not mention anything about having a study performed at home. She did say that if the results were positive (breathing pauses for 10 seconds, 30+ times per night), then we would be issued a CPAP machine on the spot in the morning.

If someone requests an in-home study, do you think the wait would be decreased significantly?

[pacmanx1]

I went to my mental health appointment on Monday and I was called by the sleep study clinic Thursday of the same week informing me that I needed to be home to sign for the sleep study packet (questionnaire, measuring tape, and instructions how to operate the equipment). After that I had to go to the pulmonary clinic and they set up my CPAP appointment and I received it within 30 days or so of my sleep study. This was not my first sleep study, my first sleep study was inconclusive because I went to the hospital for the overnight stay but I could not fully fall asleep. I needed more sleep time. So I was told an in home study would be better for me because it was/is over a three night period and then you mail it back to the clinic. Hey, it worked for me. Some people don't get enough sleep hours in one night. When I went to get my CPAP machine, there were about 50 veterans getting their machines also and we all had in home studies. I was glad because waking up gasping for air was really freaking me out.

Edited November 30, 2009 by pacmanx1