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Sleep Apnea (secondary or direct connection)
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Duty to Assist HLR say not service connected and service connected 5 months ago. Pre existed and aggravated now.
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Wooderson
I know this type of question has been asked over and over, but my searches did address some questions i had. Been off active duty for about 9 years and was diagnosed with OSA in 2017 (CPAP prescribed). I would like to attempt to file for the OSA.
I have PTSD, bilateral knee (10% each), and degenerative disc in my back and cervical neck ratings. While on active duty I never received a sleep study, but have a couple of buddy letters attesting to showing symptoms (gasping for air, excessive snoring, etc..) of sleep apnea while on active duty in Iraq.
I do have a memorandum for record from a treating physician who saw me while i was deployed (all SMR were lost/destroyed in country by the military and his letter specifically addresses those facts--this is the same letter I used and that the VA used gaining service connection for my other issues). In the letter the physician specifically stated that he treated me for several issues, including sleep disturbances.
After returning (while out-processing and still on active duty) i was also shown by the VA dentist to have severe bruxism (which the VA themselves have shown to be a symptom of sleep apnea), possibly to the combat stress that caused the PTSD.
So should i file direct service or secondary to PTSD and the knee and back issues. I have gained some weight since coming off active duty due to the fact that I cant workout like before, but I wouldn't say I'm morbidly obese. 6'0", 205. Thanks.
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brokensoldier244th
Be aware that sleep disturbance is not the same as sleep apnea. Most likely you’r your disturbances are already covered in your ptsd rating. It’s also not attributable directly to your back and knees
broncovet
Ask for both. Why burn down any bridges? Let the rating specialists figure it out. However, if one or more of your doctors has provided a nexus statement to PTSD, then go for it (secondary). If, o
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