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Sleep Apnea & Ptsd

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letimv1125

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Hello,

I need some information, I am currently rated at 70% (ptsd mainly and minor injuries). I have been diagnosed with Sleep apnea issued a CPAP, and had surgery to remove my rather large tonsils to help with my breathing. I am still having the symptoms of sleep apnea albeit not as bad as before but they are still there and I depend on my coffee to remain awake, and take mid afternoon naps. Still all plagued with nightmares or vivid dreams, I wake up with headaches and a dry mouth every morning sometimes I do not sleep all night. It's tough to sleep with a mask on because i can only sleep laying face down but i do what i can. Anyway is there a chance i'll be able to get my service-connected rating? I was not diagnosed with the sleep apnea until after I got out, but I was treated for sleep disorders and given medication to try and sleep better, but it was not until after I got out that I really followed up on the problem because it got progressively worse.

Thank you.

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Hello,

I need some information, I am currently rated at 70% (ptsd mainly and minor injuries). I have been diagnosed with Sleep apnea issued a CPAP, and had surgery to remove my rather large tonsils to help with my breathing. I am still having the symptoms of sleep apnea albeit not as bad as before but they are still there and I depend on my coffee to remain awake, and take mid afternoon naps. Still all plagued with nightmares or vivid dreams, I wake up with headaches and a dry mouth every morning sometimes I do not sleep all night. It's tough to sleep with a mask on because i can only sleep laying face down but i do what i can. Anyway is there a chance i'll be able to get my service-connected rating? I was not diagnosed with the sleep apnea until after I got out, but I was treated for sleep disorders and given medication to try and sleep better, but it was not until after I got out that I really followed up on the problem because it got progressively worse.

Thank you.

Welcome.

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You will need to get a nexus letter from a pulmonologist or sleep specialist that connects (describes how) your current sleep Apnea to your service. They will need to see a complete copy of your service medical records(SMR). If your SMR's list the sleeping problems and perscribed medications for sleep this will help. It will probably not be easy, but it can be done. I was connected 21 years after service due to a letter from my pulmonologist where he looked at my SMR's and noted all the objective medical evidence that demonstrated sleep apnea was most likely present. You should not delay in getting this going since there are discussions on changing the regulations regarding sleep apnea.

Additionally this physician also needs to be aware of your PTSD and how if affects your sleep (nightmares hyper vigilance). Since chronic sleep problems will make apnea worse or cause onset.

As for your face first sleep position, I can see how that would cause you a problem. You might try a thick foam mattress pad with a cut out (think chiropracter/massage therapy table) and some strategically placed pillows or try to lay at an angled to that you can hang your head off to the side (if you can stand your head not being fully supported).

If your having nightmares and vivid dreams that at least indicates your apnea probably isn't totally interfearing with REM Sleep although we can dream in non-REM states.

Best regards,

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