Criteria the VA uses to assign a 50% rating to VA Sleep Apnea Claims has just changed

[Tbird]

The Veterans Law Blog just got word today that the criteria the VA uses to assign a 50% rating to VA Sleep Apnea Claims has just changed, effective April 18, 2016. http://www.veteranslawblog.org/va-sleep-apnea-ratings-rules-changing/

[ArNG11]

I would agree. If it is needed then you'd be foolish not to use one whether or not VA comp connects the disease to service or not.  Heck these folks unto recent provided parts and filters yet C&P docs state I don't have symptoms or use a machine, and to minimize another service connected issue state I do.  It is really just BS how they get away with this particular item.

Gastone, I will agree with you on the how the VA looks at IMO's and IME's for this condition.  Yet even if you have the evidence and proof of symptoms, while in service and post service, they will do everything and anything to not service connect the condition.  At least there for a while I got filters, hoses, and water tanks supplied by the VA, even if they don't connect the condition to service, the supplies were a nice tidbit.  With most of my serious conditions, the VA dismiss evidence from docs, specialists, IMEs, IMOs, even from their own docs when it suits them. Same old game unfortunately.

Edited April 27, 2016 by ArNG11
premise

[ArNG11]

On April 22, 2016 at 4:49 AM, Andyman73 said:

I do wonder if my MDD and hypertension would also tie into SA, for SC? I will have to make sure I cover every medical issue when I go see my SA specialist in a few weeks.

These are both logical and medically sound conditions that can lead and/or make sleep apnea worse.  Just make sure the doc uses the correct medical rationale to connect the issue.

[Andyman73]

I plan on taking in a copy of a nexus letter that Buck had posted on here.  I used it once, already, with my dentist, and explained how the "at least as likely, more than likely" statements work, as well.

[silverdollar22]

That's going to be my plan of attack tomorrow with my MH doc that prescribed my sleep study. I going to ask questions like: could sleep depravation incurred during depressive episodes be caused by SA? Or  Could my SA or my lack of good sleep be connected to my Depression?  Let's see what he puts in his notes then i can on my next appt. try to redirect my question to fit better into a nexis. 

[Andyman73]

10 hours ago, silverdollar22 said:

That's going to be my plan of attack tomorrow with my MH doc that prescribed my sleep study. I going to ask questions like: could sleep depravation incurred during depressive episodes be caused by SA? Or  Could my SA or my lack of good sleep be connected to my Depression?  Let's see what he puts in his notes then i can on my next appt. try to redirect my question to fit better into a nexis. 

Certainly do, don't get nuthin for not askin!