Sleep Apnea Claim

[EODCMC]

Hi, I am a 30 year retired vet. I retired 13 years ago. I as recently diagnosed with "very severe" obstructive sleep apnea. The machine they gave me is preset on the highest output flow. My episode exceed 35 times an hour with some lasting more than 30 seconds. 

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a couple of years prior to retirement and the study and diagnosis is documented in my record. In fact, they wanted to operate on my uvula. There lies the rub. The operation could have ended my career so I didn't persue. Additionally, while on active duty I developed severe chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis and this also is documented in my service health record. I have been living with this and chalking it down to getting old.

Fast forward...I recently got a machine that they say I have to wear for the remainder of my life. I just learned that Tricare Prime does not pay for it all. So, I researched online and submitted a claim the E-benefits and it has been received and was under review until today when they changed this to "gathering of evidence" Development Letter Sent.

Does anyone know what this means? What do I have to look forward to concerning the process. I watch the news. It doesn't look good, right?

thanks in advance.

[EODCMC]

I forgot to add. When I was connected to the VA regional office (about a 20 min wait) I was greeted by a lady that was extremely professional and helpful. The information that was available to her was limited. Yet, she elaborated on my status and gave me an overview of what might lay ahead. In fact, she noticed that my direct deposit was not established and fixed it on the phone. She left me reassured and renewed my faith in the system. Bravo Zulu VA. 

[EODCMC]

Ha Bronco, that was a short sentence with 4 acronyms. I'm 1 for 4...I know what a DVD is.

[EODCMC]

Thanks Slick.

[Andyman73]

I did the ol' copy machine routine also.  I made 2 copies, one for me and one for VA, cuz you never know. 

That was one of the very few helpful hints/advice Dad ever gave me, regarding the Military, get everything documented regarding medical issues.  And make a copy of your medical file before your EAS!

So I did.

Semper Fi

[Andyman73]

1 hour ago, Buck52 said:

S for as getting a SC Rating for S.A. or O.S.A.  IF you don't have medical documentations and buddy statements for snoring while in service   you will most likely be denied 70% of vets are denied for this reason...but if you have another disability Muscular Chronic Pain  or a disability that can Aggravate the S.A.  Then that what you need to file it to & also be careful how you use the word Sleep Apnea or OSA...it would be better to use OSA  b/c that covers most of the symptoms from Sleep Apnea.  although they basically mean the same  its just the way the VA looks at it.

Hmm...that is VERY interesting, Buck.  You have just given me an idea...considering the only thing I do have going for me(tho it's not gotten me anywhere, yet)is my chronic pain.  I have a sleep study coming up this Monday night.  In the morning after, I will be talking with the specialist, I'll specifically focus on the chronic pain aspect...since it may well be the way to SC my SA.  And then the MDD as well, after that.  Got nothing else going my way

[ArNG11]

On June 7, 2016 at 3:36 PM, EODCMC said:

Thanks Andy and Buck concerning CPAP. Yea, the folks I got it from should know what to do, if anything. I guess

I was inviting a discussion for any help anyone might give or receive concerning the machine use. I will add one comment for those that get claustrophobic. I found that wearing the machine while awake really helped prepare for sleep. Watch the news!

Buck, I am also a Vietnam vet with broken service. I retired while preparing for the 2nd Gulf war; they told me I was a bit long in the tooth to deploy and I hated staff duty.

Im finding my records are probably everywhere but I kept a full set in hard copy when I retired 14 years ago. When I asked the simple question I wasn't smart enough to know what a C File was. Since they are still gathering evidence for my only claim, I probably don't have a completed one yet. I assume I should just wait for a determination before requesting it.

Thanks everyone for your help. 

You can try different varieties of masks, nose pieces, and harnesses.   Myself I tried the full face mask and it was too restrictive.  I then tried the nasal pillows.  Those did the trick.  More comfortable and the mask seal was perfect no more leaks.  You can ask for those and go for a trial an error to see which option is best for your needs.  There are different mask options.  JMO