Anyone here ever file for sleep apnea secondary to cervical DDD?

[sawgunner]

When I was issued a bi-pap, the doctor told me that in my case, it is likely that my neck muscles have become weakened and caused my sleep apnea, not weight...   I only weigh 195lbs at 5'11".

 

I asked the sleep tech to have the doc put that in my notes, they have not done so, so I am going to ask for a nexus letter.

 

My question is, has anyone here ever done that with positive results?

[broncovet]

Probably not, because each claim is unique.  (VA shoves that down our throats, and uses it as an excuse that social security is complete in 60 days, while VA claims often take years.)  I guess social security recipients are all the same....lol.  

However, it is all dependent upon the doctor.  Many VA docs dont want to write nexus letters, so you will likely need an IMO to win benefits.  This said, I have a great VA doc who provided my nexus for depression secondary to hearing loss, with no problem.  

VA makes it extremely difficult to win sleep apnea benefits.  For example, I have been denied sleep apnea, even tho there is an accepted link between PTSD/ depression and sleep apnea.  

That, and I had a C and p exam by a doctor who had never treated sleep apnea, and, I have elected NOT to fight for service connection for sleep apnea, as I feel it will be moot in the end, and may even hurt my effective date for SMC S.  

[Gastone]

The better question I believe would be, has anyone had their SA (OSA or Central SA or Mixed SA), ever received a possible nexus linking their Post DX'd  Cervical DDD SA.

Have you found any BVA Decisions, Awards/Remands/Denials, that mention your SA/DDD issues?

[Buck52]

Just my 2 cents

I believe if a sleep specialist will nexus the S.A. to hIs statment below about neck muscles have become weakened and cause the sleep apnea''  he possibly can get approved for S.A.

secondary to what caused his muscles to become weak? IF this is part of what he is S.C. for ? If in fact he is for C-DDD? I never heard of that causing  sleep apnea  but I'm not a sleep Doc.

 O.P. Quoted

''When I was issued a bi-pap, the doctor told me that in my case, it is likely that my neck muscles have become weakened and caused my sleep apnea, not weight...   I only weigh 195lbs at 5'11".

 

[broncovet]

I agree with Buck and Gastone.  Welcome Back, Gastone, glad you are better and back!  The only way you would get SC for OSA is with a great nexus.  Evidence wins claims.