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

[ArNG11]

17 hours ago, Gastone said:

I think I mentioned that the VA C & P Dr, (non Sleep Specialist) that conducted my 09/15 C & P for the SA increase was very negative, to say the least. This was probably my 8th or so C & P since 2009, so I'm not shy about asking the Dr's questions, especially when they seem negative.

Towards the end of the exam, he comes off with, "you got all your gonna get with the 50%, should be happy." I pointed out the use of 02 and results of an 01/14  Echo-cardiogram. He POO POO'd my Lay assertions, he's the learned Doc, right. He even started siting 38 CFR 4 SA Rating Criteria for the 50 Vs 100%. We left it at, We agreed that we disagreed.

When I got the Brown Rating Envelope 11/11/15, continuing my 50% SC SA, I wasn't really surprised, and was preparing to file my NOD. Seems the Rater and His Supervisors hadn't discussed my 07/15 SA Award to 100%. E-Ben had the info 1/3/16, seems like me and the Rater didn't have a clue, go figure.

See attached, I guess this an Increase Denial

Semper Figd11-11-15 AWARD LetterSA.pdf

wow.  

[Gastone]

Andy: High Co2 retention needs to be addressed, at the very least with your PCP.

I have Mixed SA, episodes of Central Apnea's from time to time, only while sleeping of-course. With CA, the brain doesn't tell you to breath when the C02 hits the critical point, like when holding your breath while your awake; you know you have to breath.

I'd think your PCP would refer you to Pulmonary for a Lung Function Test, just to rule out possibilities.

I'll have to eyeball DuckDuckgo, see if I can find some info for you. High Co2 can't be good, but what do we laymen know.

Semper Fi

 

[ArNG11]

Agreed Gastone, Co2 levels are markers.  You don't want to ignore those signs. 

I haven't looked for these but back in the combat medic days we had pulse ox monitors that would go on the pointer finger, I would imagine that they have some type of monitoring system.

I think some of the new CPAP even have this monitoring with Blue tooth devices.  I haven't seen the regular CPAP with it but I know that the Bi-paps do and even come with a monitoring app. Respironics is the brand name that comes to mind.

[Fat]

Good information..........

[ArNG11]

On March 4, 2016 at 1:11 PM, Gastone said:

 ArNG

I think the legal term used in Civil cases, "A preponderance of Evidence," plays a large part in the Award or Denial. If it's a 50/50 situation, the Vet is supposed to get the Award.

Your Sleep Dr or Board Cert Specialist could tip the scale in your favor, depending on his wording of his clinician notes or DBQ. Worked for me in 11 and Toddt recently, could work for you.

Semper Fi

No, the VA Gynecologist opinion trumps my docs opinion, and Ellis' opinion apparently. So much for the regs being on my side. Go figure. Of course I am still waiting for the legal beagles to handle that grenade with a short fuse.

 In the same opinion and sets of DBQ's that denied SA, she stated I used a  CPAP and the other not.  The symptoms in 08 were apparently not important either.  Nor the sleep studies in 09 and 12, hmm imagine that.

Not that I disagree with you, I've pitched and used that argument and it got shot down fast.   Heck even my ex law dog said to leave it alone, but I'm stubborn, so I'll fight it till I can't fight it no more.  What is the VA going to do call me a liar, oops they have already done that.  I guess, I'll prove how much they follow the law and regs.  Yeah I kind of already proved that as well.  THEY DON'T.  

We will see how things wind up. Some point or another for the song and dance, the piper will get paid. 

Sorry I go take meds, I am getting almost too cynical and grumpy. 

[Gastone]

You may have already done this, but how about posting a redacted copy of your C & P SA DBQ & Ellis's IMO. Is Ellis a SA Specialist, can't say I recall his Credentials?

VA OBGYN, how long looking at a "Certain Thing," day in day out, before your brain would get fried?

There are always exceptions to every Vet's case, I wouldn't advise you to buy any Lottery Tickets either. Is it possible, "BONE HIM" is stamped on your C-file, better check.

Semper Fi