Secondary VA disability conditions

[Garrett]

DisabilityRatingDecisionRelated ToEffective Dateleft ear hearing loss0%Service Connected10/20/2017left ankle sprain with instability and degenerative joint disease10%Service Connected04/09/1996

right ankle strain, with degenerative arthritis

10%Service Connected10/20/2017sleep apneaNot Service Connectedgastroesophageal reflux disease with symptoms of sleep disturbance10%Service Connected08/15/2018migraine headachesNot Service Connectedtinnitus10%Service Connected06/21/2017chest painsNot Service Connecteddiabetes mellitus type 2Not Service Connectedback strainNot Service Connectedprostate conditionNot Service Connectedleft shoulder impingement syndrome with mild degenerative joint disease20%Service Connected04/09/1996

left upper extremity radiculopathy

Not Service Connectedchronic bronchitis0%Service Connected04/21/2011right shoulder instability with severe degenerative joint disease30%Service Connected10/16/2018

right shoulder residual surgical scarring

0%Service Connected04/09/1996

right elbow condition

Not Service Connected

right upper extremity radiculopathy (previously claimed as right arm condition)

Not Service Connectedallergic rhinitis0%Service Connected07/27/2009

I was denied for sleep apnea 3 years ago. As you can see above, they granted an increase of GERD with sleep disturbance. My question is can I refile for the sleep apnea secondary to GERD.

Your feedback is much appreciated.

 

Thanks, Garrett 

[NoZZZ's]

I don't know about sleep apnea and GERD, but you do have allergic rhinitis service connected, and that may be an option, depending on your symptoms, and if you can get a medical nexus opinion stating how it causes or aggravates your SA.

[Garrett]

I did get allergic rhinitis service connected at 0% with sleep disturbance. 

[vetquest]

Nozz's has given you some good advice, I would chase that rabbit down a hole and see where it goes.

[GBArmy]

Garrett, that could be a very elusive but FAT rabbit your chasing. No sleep apnea but sleep disturbance is s-c; it take that to mean you haven't been diagnosed for OSA? Did you have a sleep study.? If not, request one. If you do get s-c, it can be 50%. OSA and GERD are or can be connected; again, need sleep study, or at the very least be diligent. It could turn into OSA later if not now. You need a good medical opinion and refile.

[GBArmy]

Just to add, if you never had a sleep study by the VA, or, if it was not severe enough to diagnose OSA, you might consider getting an outside study done, especially if time has passed. If that showed you need a CPAP and had OSA, you have strong evidence for a disability claim.

[Garrett]

Yes, I had an in home sleep study that VA administered back in 2014. They said it was severe and provided me with a CPAP.