ptsd Sleep Apnea &VA Dr's

[Buck52]

Most of us know that OSA or Sleep Apnea  can be caused from PTSD

and could be a secondary claim.

Why is it so hard for the VA Dr's to opine this for the Veteran?

I ask my M.H. Phyistrist about it...when she ask me if I had any questions  I ask her about

My VA Sleep Apnea Diagnose/and prescribe a C-PAP to use

    I ask her if my Sleep Apnea d/x from VA SLEEP CLINIC could cause or could it be a secondary effect from my PTSD & The PTSD Meds I take?

her response was  '' I'm not at liberty to comment on that statement''  I thought.....WTF?

She is a licenses Phyistrist  With a PHD Degree hanging in her office. she is the one that prescribes my PTSD Meds  she is the one I count on to help me with my PTSD &of course the weekly therapy I receive from a VA Therapist L.V.A.S.W.

Anyway then she proceeded to say if your referring to a compensation claim  you need to get with the DAV Downstaris...

Anybody ever had this problem  getting an opinion from your VA MH Doc?

What is it with these Dr's?

..............Buck

[ArNG11]

Now yes this is an excellent nexus.  There are many studies out there, verified studies, that make this conclusion.  Your examiner reviewed records, your service medical records, backed the information with medical science, not junk science or absence of evidence in service, I don't think medically speaking the VA has a prayer to refute this medical finding from an expert medical professional!!!

Fist bump on your actions, that will be a nice can of STFU, in your face, VA C&P dorks.  

Don't get all high and mighty like I do, but hell yeah, JMO that will be extremely difficult to discount and refute.  The question remains whether the regional office is going to follow correct protocol?  I have my hopes for your claim.  

[ArNG11]

I didn't have a nexus when I first filed my sleep apnea claim and sleep disturbances claim.  I had two sleep studies one in 2009 and one in 2012.  2012 is when I got my CPAP machine.  The VA C&P doc totally dismissed this information and there my claim went.  DENIED.  You don't get a sleep study with out symptoms, insurance companies just won't pay for it.  

I think my issue was that the 2009 study was a split night study, 4 hours one night, 4 hours on another night.  The sleep tech stated the results would be the same, however, I disagree.  Some folks don't hit enough REM cycles to get episodes happening in a 4 hour span of time, however, I am not a doc.  Again I just read a bunch.  Don't take my word for it.

However, I will bring up a point, a sleep study requested less than a year that I came of active duty sure got dismissed really easily.  Two sleep studies sure constitutes symptoms of a disease or illness.  

Funny coincidence though, my last set of C&P exams, I received service connection for sleep disturbances which I claimed when I submitted my gulf war claim.  The DRO made a medical conclusion that the sleep disturbances were related to the Anxiety and Depression.  Last time I checked DRO's are not medical professionals.

Sorry can't help being honoree. 

Edited June 4, 2016 by ArNG11
important point missed

[Buck52]

Palma114

Have you recieved a decison on your S.A.?

I understand they rate it at 50%

I am in the honey pot with my ratings at SMC S Level ,no more comp for me unless I loss both arms  or both legs, or become a vegetable and have to be feed and wiped...which if I ever get that way  I hope go to the other side....I won't need their comp.

but my spouse will so my reason to get my S.A. Service Connected. (DIC Benefit's)

..............................ArNG11....................................I totally agree with you..you hit the nail right on buddy.

......................Buck

[ArNG11]

Thanks Buck.  

My sleep apnea claim, well I am kind of touchy on.  VA BS at its finest.  I'll make my arguments in DC and go after the junk science and the dismissing of medical evidence, proof of symptoms and the IME, then I will go from there I don't know.  

We each follow our pursuits.  We are the only ones that can say it is over, well maybe after a Supreme Court Justice says no, but you know what I mean.

Hang in there Buck and folks.

[Gastone]

Can't say I recall any Success Stories regarding VA SA Dr's offering or complying with VA regs on DBQ's. Some Vet's I know, that have requested the SA DBQ from their Sleep Dr, are given the Bum's Rush, and told to get the SA DBQ from their VA PCP.

This may or may not, do you some good. Ask the VA Sleep Specialist, What in her Professional Medical Opinion, is the cause of your SA? Present your Lay  theories and ask for her verbal opinion as to a possible Nexus. Don't even bring up the Comp Claim. The Clinician Notes, should make it into your VMC Med Records within 3 days. The discussion should be included.

If she refuses to discuss possible causes or completely dismisses your theories, time to see a Private Sleep Neurologist. Pay the $200 for the office call and get a copy of his Clinician Notes, if they back your position. There's no guarantee, the Private SA Specialist, will come down on your side. At the very least, maybe you could get a "as Likely as Not," which would still help.

Semper Fi

[Buck52]

Roger that Gastone!