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]

On ‎5‎/‎25‎/‎2016 at 3:08 AM, silverdollar22 said:

EODCMC,

  Same here, just went to gathering evidence or as we like to call it gathering dust stage!!! First of all, was it a standard claim or a FDC so called fast claim? If it was a FDC (fast claim) then the expected wait time should be posted in the claim application. Probably around 6 months. Either way, this is usually the longest stage of the game, so sit back and relax and find a good hobby that will take your mind off this process. Many a vet including myself have driven themselves crazy by looking at ebenefits every hour expecting it to change. By what you are saying you should have no problem getting your claim approved but, you never know with the VA.  Anyway, Welcome to the HADIT Family!!!!  Spend some time researching stuff here and remember knowledge is power when it comes to the claim game!!!

                                                                                   Silver

Silver, just curious if your status has changed. Mine conveys a warning that Requested Documents are Past Due.

[silverdollar22]

21 hours ago, EODCMC said:

Silver, just curious if your status has changed. Mine conveys a warning that Requested Documents are Past Due.

Actually, mine hasn't moved and probably won't for a while!! Just hang tight.

[EODCMC]

I'm hoping that someone with experience can look at my OSA diagnosis,  especially the impression on my 2016 Sleep study para. 2 and tell me if this constitutes Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor
pulmonale, 

 

http://community.hadit.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=8759

 

Edited July 4, 2016 by EODCMC
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[EODCMC]

I suppose I either didn't phrase my question well enough or there is no one out there with enough medical experience to give me advice.

I'm concerned that I have non apnaic events where I am low O2 or by inference, high carbon dioxide. Therefore, the CPAP may not provide the most protection against brain damage or even death. No worries, I will ask my doctor this. I was hoping there was some precedence out there or someone could help me with the termonogy.

Does anyone know whether or not the CPAP measures O2 levels?

Thanks, in advance.

[ArNG11]

I know that depending on the severity of your symptoms, say your oxygen saturation levels, that the apparatus prescribed would have an oxygen saturation monitor.  My machine does not have that option, however, there are many different configurations and options that can be built into the machine.  Since what you mention above can be a dangerous situation I would go with you plans of asking your doc.  Perhaps there is an oximeter attachment option, or a different configuration that you can use.

If you suspect your O2 levels are dropping discuss this immediately with your doctor/ and or sleep apnea  specialist.  They should be able to get you started in the right direction with a supplemental oxygen supply if necessary.

[EODCMC]

Thanks Mr. A...agreed. I know this must make me look like an inexperienced outpatient. That's because I am. In the military, I was not a sick bay commando and nothing much changed post retirement.  Now I have serious health concerns (perhaps) and a financial claim of entitlement. I'm just trying to make the right decisions that won't require amending.

Edited July 6, 2016 by EODCMC
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