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]

sure Gastone, I'll try to put a sanitized copy or at the very least quote Elli's opinion.  

My quirk about the Gyno, is simple, yes the VA can use any "doctor" to opine on a disability or condition they do it all the time, however, which opinion is more probative.  A doc that actually reads records and evidence and uses medical rationale or a non specialist who is just out to deny a claim? 

I have my C-file and symptoms of sleep apnea are there heck this last appeal they approved fatigue, tiredness, sleep disturbances and other key items that substantiate my claim. Also I am attacking the gyno's dates, which both are off by a year on symptoms, C-PAP use and sleep studies.

Also with my brain being fried, well don't really deny that , but I must be getting something right as I have been successful with my claims and most fights. 

[Gastone]

ArNG: Not your brain, the OBGYN Dr.

Semper Fi

[ArNG11]

 Gastone, well shucks, Im just paranoid and egocentric, maybe a little of both, I should read more carefully. I am a little . 

[Andyman73]

13 hours ago, ArNG11 said:

 Gastone, well shucks, Im just paranoid and egocentric, maybe a little of both, I should read more carefully. I am a little . 

A little ??? Are we being honest?  Lol!  They don't have one that best describes me!  Mine would have to represent something like "out in left field" or something like that! LOl!  Gotta run, incoming call from Fox Mulder, could be important!

Semper Fi.

Andy

[ArNG11]

That mime that I used signifies "wacko". Totally honest, I'd consider stating that I'm a little wiser in some things, but only because, history and experience. Being humble is another.  Learning and expanding your mind is great and will go on for a lifetime, almost exponentially really but it's emotions that interfere with proper judgements and decisions for the paths that become available to you and the ones you go against.  I believe I'm trying to hard here.  

Hope Mulder gave you the info you saught after.

[Andyman73]

He said "The truth is still out there."  The x-files were too heavily redacted to learn anything useful, so the quest continues.