ptsd Should I File For These?

[usdart]

My current Claim for PTSD, Hearing, Tinitus and an increase for Sinusitus is at the Prep for Notification phase.

While I am waiting I am considering filing for Sleep Apnea and Migranes that are well documented in my VA health records.

Should I file for these?

Are these secondary to PTSD?

I have already been tested and diagnosed with sleep apnea in 1999 and I have a cpap machine at home. I did not know these were compensable until recently. The nightmares are terrible, I wake up screaming and violently kicking and punching.

[Navy04]

If you have been diagnosed with PTSD for a long time, then I would submit the Apnea as Secondary to PTSD. Submit the Migraines separately. I was like you, when I was Medically Retired last year, I got 80% SC and I did not even apply for the VA claim, the Navy did. So I did not know what to submit claims for. I have learned so much from all the great people on Hadit. My FDC should move soon like yours, and I will probably be 100%, but I have 5 or 6 secondary conditions to submit an FDC for. I want to stay Schedular 100%, so that the VA does not mess with me in the future. Being IU 100% to me, is the worst kind of 100%. One of my best friends died on Christmas Eve, and he was only 65% SC, but 100% IU. His wife lost all his benefits and is having to beg, and reapply for benefits, praying to get something to live on. She lost Her Truck and RV already, and I pray she does not lose her home. God bless you bud, and keep us posted.

[sawgunner]

If they are well documented in your VA records as you put it, then sure...

You bet!

I assume by the above statment that you mean they are documented as being treated while you were in the military.

How long ago did you get out?

[usdart]

Never mind; I was just awarded 100% so I can't do any better than that.

[Navy04]

You never know when he VA is going to try and reduce you. I will be 100% soon, and I am still going to submit a claim for 5 or 6 secondary conditions. I want to be Schedular 100%, and don't want the VA or SSA trying to find a way to reduce us every 6 months. As long as you are happy with the Outcome, we are here to support you.

[TiredCoastie]

I agree with Navy04. If you have secondary or other debilitating conditions, submit them. Besides the concerns about a potential reduction in the future, if there are conditions which dramatically impact your life, your ability to work, or could potentially be life threatening, you should at least have a service connection on the books. My personal rationale is that should one of these end my life, having SC established will streamline the DIC process for my wife.