hypertension Sleep Apnea

[COOL BREEZE]

Just finished having a sleep study the other night. Halfway through, I was hooked up on the CPAC machine. I was asked afterwards if I thought my sleep was better.

The official results won't be known for another week. My guess is based on this test and the fact that I had respiratory failure due to low oxygen level I will be recommended to go on the CPAC.

I am already service connected for hypertension and cardiomegaly. Would I file this new claim requesting secondary to either one as sleep apnea?

[WVSERVER]

I was med boarded for OSA when I was on active duty in 2004. It’s gone untreated since 2006. This topic has got me think I should try to see what my insurance would cover to get me going on my CPAP again.

I did apply for benefits about 15 months ago. I provided the VA with the MEB/PEB results. It stated that I could finish my last 6 months of my 6 year enlistment with a C Code (could only serve in state side locations) but that it was recommended I could not reenlist with OSA.

I think my biggest mistake was getting honorable discharged with no rating from the VA. I let it go since 2006 I think that has hurt my case.

Anyway I went for my sleep study at a civilian hospital. I watched all these videos about OSA. The tech hook up the monitor then asked if I thought I had OSA. I said hell no! Well I fell asleep very easily as I can sleep anywhere.

In a couple of hours the tech was waking me up putting on the MASK. It was all down hill from there. The doc decided I need a MEB/PEB this if after I had a mishap on duty leading to me bulging my C-4, C-5 and C-7 which the doc said it should cause no pain and would not require a MEB/PEB. Anyway that has been my experience.

[cooter]

Have you filed a claim yet? It sounds like you shouldn't have a problem since you were dx in service. I don't know what kind of insurance you have but mine paid for the whole thing. I have BCBS. I don't understand why they didn't give you a rating as you was getting out of the service. I would file for it now if I were you.

Coot

[COOL BREEZE]

10,000 for a bipap? How much is the regular CPAP machine.

I already talked to the civilian who issued the cpap machine a few weeks ago. I just need another doctors order. he said it is quite comeon to be issued one machine, and if it doesn't work another is prescribed. I thought the regular one was about 1400.00. And as the VA buys these in bulk, I bet they get it much cheaper.

I finished my 2nd sleep study the other night. I was fitted with a full mask that much more comfortable. I only got up 3 times for the bathroom-every 2/1/2 hours getting a little less.

I wonder if I will have a problem with the VA doctor writing another order again? Keep in mind I haven't an actual VA appointment in over one year now, another than trips to the emergency room. They are so back up-6 months for a regular appointment if you can get them to give you one.

[Computer Tech]

Cool;

10,000 seems to be a bit high, the machine that the VA gave me last year goes for about $930 on the internet, Mine's set up as an APAP, which is the same as a CPAP except instead of being set for one pressure it's set for a range, mine's set for 7 to 14.

Rick

[john999]

All pain management doctors in my area want to do is injections into the spine or neck. They are paranoid about scripts for narcotic meds since Florida was the capital of dopers paradise and pill mills and probably still is except maybe Kentucky or W.Virginia.

[cooter]

Computer Tech....The machine I use is actually called ASV (Adaptive Servo-Ventilation). Also called the smart machine. It continuously monitors your breathing patterns. Another words, if you start to breath faster then so does the machine and vice-versa. I apologize earlier when I said BIPAP. When I received the paper work for my ins. co. it had a total of 50 cents short of $10,000. The ASV is used for us who have Central and/or Complex SA.

Coot