Assistance With Sleep Apnea Claim

[bolt_vet23]

Hello,

I'm hoping someone can help me out. I separated from the Air Force in 2005 and the Veteran's representative recommended that I claim sleep apnea so I did, but was not found to have it based on the take home stardust test. I know that I did not take the test correctly, but didn't think anything of it...just a snoring problem. I filed a claim eight years later and took another take home test which proved to be inconclusive. However, the doctor discussed the test results and symptoms and recommended that I take the overnight test. The results showed that I have sleep apnea so I submitted the results along with buddy letters and detailed letter from my wife, but was still denied. The letter states that sleep apnea was not caused by aggravated military service. It also says that there was no evidence to support that the disability was present during military service. There is no evidence from when I served because I just thought that it was a snoring problem...I was in my early 20s and had no idea what sleep apnea was at this time.

At this point, what options do I have? I know for a fact that the sleep apnea became apparent while deployed during OIF/OEF, but like I said, I never went to the doctor because I didn't know what it was at that time. Is there any want to link it to military service?

Appreciate any assistance.

[Buck52]

 Question?

I was curious  when a veteran is awarded 50% S.A. or OSA  secondary/aggervated by from another disability  like TBI/PTSD  ect,,ect,,, Does the veteran have to have another C&P in  a year or two to check and see if their S.A. has improved and lower the vets rating?

anyone know?

[EODCMC]

Good question Buck. I can't answer for the VA, but I asked my doctor if the CPAP is a cure. She said that it is more than likely that I will be on the machine for the rest of my life. She said that my apneas were likely to return without it and they don't recommend going off the "prescribed medication". The AHI is not likely to be diminished. My response is from memory so please excuse any misuse of terms.

[Andyman73]

Buck,

It's like blood pressure, you can control and lower with meds and healthy living, but stop the meds and it creeps back up.  Stop using your Cpap and the apneas return, perhaps even with a vengence, as you have aged while using your Cpap.  My Dad has been using his for 15 years now, and my dentist, 8 yrs, so...I think it's one of those things that you have for the rest of your life, and the Cpap use determines how long that will be. Longer if you use continuously, and shorter if not.

Semper Fi

[Buck52]

Roger that!

Thanks for the feedback

EODCMC &  Andymay73

I appreciate it.