hypertension Denied Sleep Apnea Claim

[paulstrgn]

I am new to this site and I will apologize ahead of time incase my question seems pretty basic. I was recently denied sleep apnea and hypertension as not being service connected. I will only ask about my sleep apnea at this time. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea (I retired from the military in 1995). I use to snore very loud while in the military according to my ex-wife. My question is will a statement from my ex-wife be enough to justify my sleep apnea? I was also given a service connected rating for my scoliosis of 20%, I have read online that spine problems can cause sleep apnea. Do you feel that between a statement from my ex-wife and the problems I have had with my spine would be enough to receive a rating for sleep apnea? Any suggestions on anything else I should add to the appeal? Thanks in advance for your advice. 

Edited April 15, 2016 by paulstrgn

[Gastone]

Posting a redacted copy of your Denial Letter and your C & P DBQ's would be very helpful.

Do you currently have VA or Non VA DX's of OSA and Hypertension, dates please?

If you see a Sleep Specialist, mine was a Non VA, Board Certified Neurologist, and he opines in his clinician notes regarding the "Probable Etiology," linking your SA to a current SC Condition, you have your Nexus.

Wife's "Statement in Support," is ok but she does have a vested interest in the Award. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to get a Direct SC for SA, when you were never DX'd or treated for sleep issues while on active duty. Any Evidence in your SMR?

Of the list of SA possible causes, how do you stack up? Retired in 95, past 21 yrs,  have you porked up, say 25+ lbs?

Age, weight, male, family history, neck 171/2 in+, wide tongue, alcohol or medication consumption, are just a few of the listed medically acknowledged possible causative factors. Can you identify with any of these?

I'v read that a good number of Vet's may or may not get SA SC'd for PTSD. Can't say I've seen any postings on Hadit, regarding SA Secondary to PTSD Awards.

Semper Fi

[paulstrgn]

You are correct, I misread the articles about sleep apnea and hypertension it was as you said Drillserg63. I will post a redacted copy of my denial letter next week. It was a private doctor the diagnosed my sleep apnea on 10/5/2015. I never realized what was causing me to be so tired when I woke up and my fatigue. It was a non VA doctor who diagnosed me for my sleep apnea he is Board Certified Specialty: Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine. I had pre-hypertension in the military and was diagnosed with hypertension in 1997.

The letter is being written by my ex-wife so she will not benefit form this in anyway. Unfortunately there is nothing for fatigue on my SMR other than when I was diagnosed with pneumonia in 1991.

Yes I have gained weight since I retired, I am male, now 58, I do not drink much, I am not sure what side affects my medications may cause (I will have to check).

I do not have PTSD.

Thanks for the input.

 

 

 

[hilltravis]

Look at your medications that you are taking.  Opioid pain relievers as well as some muscle relaxers have been linked to both OSA and CSA.  You will need an opinion from a qualified DR to link either one of those as a secondary. 

Good luck!

Travis

 

[Andyman73]

From reading this thread, and several others regarding SA in one fashion or another, I am finding many similarities to my own medical history...such as early signs of hypertension, multiple cases of URI, pneumonia, angina, ETOH abuse during AD years, and so on.  I will be calling the sleep lab that did my test and resulting DX, to get in for re-evaluation.  I will most certainly be discussing all of these things with them at that time, as well.

[Gastone]

Neck size and tongue width?

My non VA SA Neurologist, always gives me a printed copy of his Clinician Notes, after each appointment, very helpful.

Andy, give consideration to Sending E-Mail to non VA SA Specialist and/or MHV Secure Msg to your VA SA Dr, discussing your concerns. Saves both you and the Dr time and gives the Dr an opportunity to put serious consideration to "ALL" your SA concerns.  Makes it difficult for you to forget to address any important issue.   Also lays a "Paper Trail."

Semper Fi

[Andyman73]

Gastone,

I just called the center that did my sleep study, only got a voicemail, so I left multiple phone #'s so they can reach me.  I also looked over their website, to see what I may learn.  I saw that hypertension, depression and memory loss are some of the side effects that I do suffer from.  And some of the symptoms, that I did have, from their list, snoring, pauses in breathing or gasping/choking, sleep talking, restless sleep, night terrors, waking with headaches, waking tired or exhuasted.  

I will be going through my SMR and digging out every entry that may possibly tie-in to SA.

As for my neck size, I think I'm a 16-16.5, tongue width - unknown.

Going back to what the Dr. that interviewed me during my neuro exam on Tuesday, when I told her that I do have SA, and use a Bipap, she said Oh yeah, SA is a major cause of memory loss, especially short term.  And the longer left untreated, and the lower your O2 level during sleep, the worse the memory loss as well.  When I told her that my pulse-ox dropped into the 70s % saturation range, she visibly cringed!  I told her I'm too afraid to not use it, and take it everywhere I go for overnight trips.

I really hope that the sleep specialist will be willing to help me out with both my current sleep situation and VA claims.

Thanks again, Gastone, for your words of wisdom and encouragement.

Semper Fi

Andy