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

[Cobra4v]

It's a wonder how people even get S/C for sleep apnea. 

[Andyman73]

Yeah, Cobra, it's rapidly becoming a dark cloud overhead, like AO was for many years, and GWI also.

[paulstrgn]

I am in the same boat as everyone else. Unless SA in diagnosed while still in the service it seems next to impossible to get approved. I will see the doctor next Tuesday to see if he agrees that the pain I have from my SC scoliosis is more likely than not a cause to my SA. I will give an update after Tuesdays visit, I just hope I will have a positive update. Going through the VA claim process is very challenging to say the least.

[Guest]

It's not impossible a veteran must find a condition that a doctor can say that it is as least likely as not that sleep apneas is the cause of the condition/disability or the condition/disability is the result of sleep apnea. Examples are migraine headaches, sinus problems, spinal injuries in the upper back, acid reflux, PTSD and any other condition a veteran can find.  Keep in mind that sleep apnea is a respiratory condition and the disability must affect your air way.

[Andyman73]

pete992,

I certainly have documented in my SMR several times, at least, being seen/treated for sinus and upper respiratory illness, and pneumonia.  I have at least one blood lab result showing over the limit Co2 as well.  I also had a pretty severe angina too.  And my pb began showing up as higher readings.  I will be bringing copies of all these to my upcoming sleep specialist appointment. 

I sure hope and pray that this will be the required medical issues showing signs of SA from my AD years, for my sleep dr. to make a well stated nexus statement.

[Guest]

Hey Guys/Gals we should all know that VA does not like that 50% rating for use of a CPAP Machine.  They (VA) try their best to deny and force a veteran to appeal.  Keep on mind that 50% is where a lot of veterans get the CRSR and make it possible for some veterans to claim TDIU. VA have been complaining about that rating for years.