General Compensation Question

[PEACHES1962]

This is my first time writing on this site even though I read it alot. I submitted a claim in July 2019 for sleep apnea secondary to chronic fatigue syndrome (Secondary), sleep disturbances (related to: Environmental Hazard in Gulf War) (New), sleep apnea (secondary to: sleep disturbances) (New). I have had my exam through LHI in August with the following remarks from my examiner:

Veteran was also diagnosed with OSA and is compliant with a CPAP machine therapy.

Concerning the contention of Sleep disturbances due to environmental hazards in Gulf War. Veteran has sleep
disturbances that are likely a result of PTSD type symptoms with nightmares, insomnia which are both hallmark symptoms of PTSD and trauma based
disorders. Her sleep disturbances are also a result of her diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and other Gulf War medical issues.

In fact, it is highly likely her sleep disturbances have incurred from both all stressor occurrences while she was in Army.

I also have a supplemental claim in progress for PTSD that was initially denied in 2008 and the examiner stated:

Veteran's previous C & PReview PTSD Examination was completed on MAY 13,
2008 by Cristina Gamez-Galka, Ph.D., of Houston, TX. Dr. Gamez-Galka diagnosed veteran with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. A C & P Initial
PTSD Examination completed on MAY 6, 2002 by Dunn, Ph.D. (Houston VAMC) also diagnosed veteran with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder,
recurrent.

Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood

My question is, would this be enough to qualify me for compensation or is it a chance I will be denied?

I must add that I am currently seeing a VA psychologist for PTSD.

Thank you guys for your responses.

[PEACHES1962]

Disabilities Claimed: sleep apnea secondary to chronic fatigue syndrome (Secondary), sleep disturbances (related to: Environmental Hazard in Gulf War) (New), sleep apnea (secondary to: sleep disturbances) (New)

Update:

Preparation for Decision:  10/23/2019

Review Evidence: 10/30/2019

Gathering Evidence: 12/23/2019 - 02/09/2020 Someone added obstructive sleep apnea secondary to fibromyalgia (Secondary).

Now the list is:

• Disabilities Claimed: sleep apnea secondary to chronic fatigue syndrome (Secondary), sleep disturbances (related to: Environmental Hazard in Gulf War) (New), sleep apnea (secondary to: sleep disturbances) (New), obstructive sleep apnea secondary to fibromyalgia (Secondary)

 

 

[GBArmy]

Peaches, if you are concerned about the status of your claim and that is your question, well, you should be. But then, anyone should be concerned about the status of a claim submitted. Right? If your issue is that it appears they have added a new disability to your claim, well that isn't necessarily a bad thing either. You see that when the VA is actually working on your claim, they should be looking to provide the highest level of compensation possible for the veteran. In some cases, that could mean to add additional disabilities to the existing claim. Or, to add additional wording so to be more inclusive and therefore enable higher compensation to you. This is because of facts already discovered in your C-file. Do they do this often? In my opinion, no, but good and competent VA personnel do exist and this could be favorable to you. I try to be positive whenever possible; this would seem to be a favorable situation for you. We could go negative, but think positive! Your not going to know for quite a while anyway, so what the hay.

[PEACHES1962]

Thank you so much GBArmy.  I was just surprised to see that it was added.  It confused me as to why this would happen.  I asked a veteran at work and he stated the same as you did.  I will continue to think positive.

[PEACHES1962]

Went on my C&P exam for sleep apnea secondary to fibromyalgia.  I hope these results are good. Please see attachments. What do yall think?

 

Sleep Apnea DBQ.pdf Medical Opinion DBQ (Secondary Service Connection).pdf

Edited November 18, 2019 by PEACHES1962
could see personal information

[USMCScorpio]

Peaches1962,

From what I've read here in these DBQ's things look favorable for the secondary claim opinion.  The verbiage looks to be in place and supportive of your claim. 

[vetquest]

Peaches, I agree with USMCScorpio.  You look good for secondary sleep apnea.  Good luck with the RO.