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.

[Buck52]

Well they both actually mean the same, just be sure and read over it carefully!

[Buck52]

VA should pay for the machine? thats were I got mine.

on ebennys they will send you a letter as to what you need to do ,and as for as under review  they are looking at your claim  and in my opinion on ebenny's it always goes back to gathering of evidence (to fill in the space) while they review your claim.

you should hear something soon..I'd say in a week or two.  have they sent you a letter asking for any more evidence or anything to substantiate your claim?

[EODCMC]

Thanks Buck, I have my first VA C&P exam on Tuesday for both claims. Other than asking me to correct my bank routing number and dependants statement, they have asked for nothing from me.

Edited August 28, 2016 by EODCMC
Misspelling

[Buck52]

Oh  okay

 As Only a suggestion here

What you may want to do is take any evidence you have to your C&P and place it in a folder that is easy access to you  in case you need to show the examiner,?

Usually the Examiner reads all your information off the computer  but some times they don't read all or enough if the information of   records and Dr's Opinions ect,,,ect,,  so take this with you  Just In Case you need it.

Be honest with your answers and look the examiner in the eye when he addresses you.

[EODCMC]

Understood. Thanks!

[Gastone]

You Dr's SISOC, statement, did he reference that he actually reviewed your SMR SA DX? If he did and I missed it, that would certainly  change the Value of the Support Document.

Semper Fi