Claim was just closed...

[Johhny_Drama]

My claim was just closed and out of the 4 items listed, they SC PTSD, deffered Stomach issues, denied Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus.

 

I am not sure what the defer is for the stomach issues. It went from pending notification to updating my rating but now it says gathering of evidence so maybe they are still working the stomach issues?

I plan on appealing the sleep apnea. I had a test done and had letters from roommates, ex wife etc and stated the time frames but no go as they listed not service connected. Should I go back to my sleep doctor and ask they list PTSD as a probable factor due to sleep habits? Meaning this would be secondary ? Should I hire a lawyer ? I read so many here getting denied and it seems rare to find a success story of someone that was granted SA that was already out of service. I am looking forward to the BBE to see what details they leave.

[ShrekTheTank]

I am in the same boat as I did not get a sleep study in service. So I am on appeal to secondary connection to ptsd. I have read quite a few where secondary to ptsd has worked. I would suggest you get a IMO from a doctor not at the va who will show how your ptsd aggravates your sleep apnea. Once your can show the link this should open the door for the link so they can grant it as secondary. 

As for a lawyer they will take a percentage, so you just have to decide if you want to give up that money.  

I also found that giving personal lay statements it worked very well.  I would appeal anything you feel should be service connected.