ptsd OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) question

[commodog]

Hello!

I am a 80% SC vet (PTSD/TBI/Tinnitus/Hearing Loss).
I was recently diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

In the report, my doctor specifically writes, "Veteran has complained about sleeping difficulties since 2004...", in the report.

First and foremost, it needs to be said that I'm not overtly looking for compensation, and for the moment, I really do feel I am fairly rated according to my symptoms.

That being said, in 2005 I was having some serious issues with "waking up", and was told by my best friend at the time (A guy from another squad) that he always had problems waking me, and that I always seemed tired. (He always brought me lunch though, which was cool!)
Specifically, he came into my house one morning after duty (I was on 12 hour guard shifts @ III Corp command), and said I was snoring loudly, and difficult to wake up (He was standing in my room, looking at me, saying my name. That's how I recall this event.).
I often had headaches, and felt lethargic after waking up.
At the time, I was on Wellbutrin and a few other meds. (Just trying to be as informative as possible here.)

Lot's of you guys have been riding this "train" for a long time, and I am wondering if you think it is worth putting in for the Sleep Apnea service connection, even though it is not present in my service member medical records?

I have not talked to the doctor yet, but you know how the VA docs can be. It's like it's hugely taboo to recommend a vet in the event they think that it's likely said service member had the condition during the period of service.

Thanks in advance, and I hope all is well!

Edited March 2, 2016 by commodog

[Slick]

This has been covered more times than I can remember.

being diagnosed with OSA- do you have a CPAP machine?

Others will chime in, but I say submit a claim as secondary to PTSD- not separately.  That's the way I got it SC'd without a service record entries about it

[Andyman73]

commodog,

Just a heads up....sleep apnea, if not actually DXd while on AD or within the 1 yr out window...well let's just say you'll more likely get struck by lightning, bitten by a shark, win Powerball, since those odds are better than getting SA/OSA SCd by the VA.

Oh yeah, welcome to Hadit!

[Buck52]

File  you never know what the VA will do??

if you can get a Dr stating that its due likely as not from your military service,(From your current PTSD'') but I'd think you would need a reason especially if you were not treated for PTSD while in the military..if not it would be hard to connect the two for Secondary to PTSD.

just because the VA diagnose you with S.A. and gave you a CPAP machine to use is no excuse it can be S.C.

But as Slick mention it can be done.

Your buddy statements will help but I'd think you will need more evidence than that.

jmo

..............Buck

[Fat]

I agree attempt to get it as a secondary service connected disability.

If its not verified in your SMR, then it probably is a long shot getting it direct service connected.

Visit a sleep apnea specialist and let him know what you are service connected for.

Then have him forward a medical opinion, accompanied by sleep study test, whether sleep apnea is caused by one of the service connected disabilities.

He must be provide supporting statement with sound medical reasoning.

Then it either will be or wont be.

 

[Gastone]

How about a SC DX Timeline? Are you 60 or 80% SC, profile indicates 60?

Only familiar with the Det VMC Sleep Dept. Vets that I meet with, have been unable to get SA DBQs from Sleep Dept Drs. They are always referred back to their PC Drs,who are not "Board Cert Sleep Specialists," for the DBQ.

That can be a problem, when dealing with a  Negative C & P SA DBQ completed by a GP DR. DBQ completed by the Bd Cert SA Dr would trump (not Donald) the C & P Dr's opinion. I don't think any of the Det Vets have really held the VMC Sleep Dr's feet to the fire, regarding VA Regs about Treating Drs required to compete the requested DBQ.

Only MH Drs can request another "Non treating MH Dr" to complete the Vet's requested MH DBQ.

Semper Fi

[Buck52]

There could be a possibility that if you had a sleep disturbance while in military and you have medical records of that Documented  and now need a cpap  for sleep  that maybe the connection you need?

you basically need a connection between your military sleep disturbance and now ,since VA has diagnosed you with OSA S.A. and using a cpap machine.

jmo

...........Buck