OSA secondary to PTSD.. anyone ever won this?

[Stick Slinger]

I was never diagnosed in service with OSA. I weigh 220 and I am 6' tall. I am rated at 70% for PTSD and the meds I take add to the OSA. I had my personal Dr. and the Psychiatrist I see both write letters to support that the meds I take add to and cause the OSA. My Dr filled out the DBQ and sent it in as well. I had a failed sleep study results sent in  with my claim. I also have documentation I sent it that back up the fact that OSA is tied to PTSD and is aggravated by PTSD. Then sleeping with the prescribed CPAP machine adds to the PTSD. Just curious if anyone has ever won this claim? I am going to appeal but wanted to get any advise here first if someone has any to share.. not sure if there is anyone who has gone this route before and won?

 

thanks!

Edited January 18, 2018 by Stick Slinger

[Buck52]

It seems this  C&P EXAMINER did not help you with a rational and go into detail as to why S.A. can be related to PTSD/Medications.

Medical Research says it can be, however you need a qualified Dr in this field of medicine to state so in his pro opinion. 

Although Research says it can be   VA uses that as ''speculation''  and will deny on that bases,  so you need a Dr to give his opinion on that.

Did you happen to catch this C&P Examiners Credentials? was he/she qualified to render an opinion  for OSA? or Sleep Apnea? caused or related to your S.C. 70% PTSD &  prescribe by VA PTSD Meds .

You need to get an Private IMO/IME from a qualified Dr stating in detail that your PTSD/Meds  (MAGIC WORDS) IS LIKELY AS NOT RELATED TO YOUR  VA Prescribe Sleep Apnea /OSA AND YOU USE  VA PRESCRIBE C-PAP for your health and well being and is required you be on the CPAP Machine for your own health  (or something close to this)

state his credentials and his expertise. 

[Stick Slinger]

On ‎1‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 1:43 PM, Gastone said:

Slick, visit the BVA Decision site and do a search with the key Words PTSD Secondary SA for 2015, 16 and 17.

As you would expect, there are Awards, Denials, and Remands. Should be very informative for you.

The Award date for your PTSD SC is? The SA DX date is? Any Sleep Specialist's "Treatment Notes" opining as to the possible/probable etiology of your SA?

Could you post a redacted copy of your SA DBQ and/or overnight Sleep Study?

Gastone, did you see the attachments I last posted?

[Gastone]

Went back and reviewed your attachments, I didn't see the results of an actual Overnight Sleep Study, Private or VMC, did I miss it?

A VMC PCP or Private Dr or in your case Family Med Nurse Practitioner ordered Home Sleep Study is not adequate for an SA DX. Home Overnight Sleep Studies are strictly an SA screening tool. An Official multi-night (2 or 3) Titration is required with the results reviewed by a Board Certified Sleep Specialist.

The limited results of the Home Study couldn't or shouldn't have been used to require the use of CPAP. Having "Mild SA" doesn't require CPAP. I think the Rater addressed that in your Secondary Denial.

Are you receiving ongoing treatment from your VMC Sleep Dept addressing your reported problems using CPAP? Does the VA supply your CPAP Supplies? Which masks have you tried?

As to the relationship between PTSD and SA, what came First, the Chicken or the Egg? If you're DX'd with OSA that's usually associated with physical problems, BMI, 171/2 neck, large tongue and weak neck muscles. On the other hand, a DX of CSA or MSA involves Brain issues allowing excessive C02 buildup.

Myself and (4) other Nam Vets with PTSD 70% SC's will attest to your DBQ discussed 2013 PTSD/SA Study, CPAP/BIPAP compliance lessens PTSD Sleep Problems.

I trust you have filed your NOD, requesting a direct trip to the BVA. I don't see an RO, DRO Review or DRO Hearing reversing this SA Secondary to PTSD Denial. 

[Stick Slinger]

I was sent to a sleep study and was diagnosed with moderate OSA, and REM Hypoventilation. I have been waiting for the decision and though I cant see anything in Ebenefits, my VA rep at Veterans Services called and told me she could see where, after the sleep study results were posted, the Dr I saw has stated that he opines it is 50% more likely than not,  that the OSA is secondary to the PTSD.

So now I am waiting for the final decision. We will see.. If this is approved as 2nd to PTSD. I will report back..