Current Mallampati Score Indicative Of Sleep Apnea In Service?

[K9MAL]

I'll try to make this as succinct as possible. I've been out of the military for 10 years and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea (OSA) and use a CPAP daily now. While in service I had the typical monster snoring issues along with stopping breathing in my sleep that many have. However, the only thing in my medical records in regards to sleeping issues is my exit physical where I checked "frequent trouble sleeping" on the form and the person wrote "difficulty sleeping on ship" in regards to that.

1. Recently submitted claim for sleep apnea and was denied 6 months ago. VA says nothing in my medical records to indicate sleep apnea.

2. Saw VA ENT doctor (ear, nose & throat) for possible sleep apnea surgery. Doctor stated I have a Mallampati score of 4.

3. Would the combination of a single complaint and the Mallampati score be indicative of sleep apnea in service?

Would this be an avenue to pursue in combination with an IMO? The structure and height of the mouth, in combination with the distance from the tongue to the roof of the mouth, would not have changed due to being a fully developed adult. The Mallampati score of 3 or 4 is highly indicative of sleep apnea and there's plenty of studies that validate this.

Roommates and girlfriends constantly complained of my snoring, stopping breathing and I exhibited many of the signs that are related to sleep apnea. However, I was a young guy, didn't know anything about sleep apnea and didn't worry about it at the time. I would be able to get several buddy statements to support the sleep issues during service as well.

This seems like a similar case and references the Mallampati score as well: http://www.va.gov/vetapp11/files1/1101174.txt

[K9MAL]

if it is applicable to you, sleep apnea can be claimed as secondary to PTSD.

I went through the drill, applied and denied to service connection records. reapplied as secondary to PTSD and approved

I don't have PTSD. But, I am service-connected for tension headaches with features of migraines which is something that I think may be related.

Couple that with the Mallampati 4 rating and the single sleeping complaint... I don't know if it's too much of a stretch or not. I am 100% positive that I had the OSA in service, now I just have to prove it to the VA.

I also had shoulder and knee problems that are service connected. Not sure if that has anything to do with it and sleeping positions?