These secondary conditions can significantly impact a patients quality of life and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. 5 Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a persons breathing repeatedly starts and stops during sleep. The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Heres a quick litmus test: If you snore during sleep, are tired during the day (maybe you take frequent naps), and stop/start breathing while sleeping (gasping for air), chances are you might have Sleep Apnea. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. In 2020, Sleep Apnea VA ratings range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 30% and 50%. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Research has shown that combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, also known asPTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. The rating criteria are as follows: 60% diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is also sometimes known as deep sleep. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? Loud snoring can keep anyone who sleeps nearby from getting good rest. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. When someone has sleep apnea, their body doesnt get the oxygen it needs. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor. Do you feel tired or sleepy during the day? In order to determine whether you should be referred for a sleep study, a doctor will first perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms, and collect your personal and family history. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Recently, it has been widely accepted by the, According to theNational Sleep Foundation, insomnia is a chronic sleep disorder, characterized by complaints of unsatisfactory sleep, despite having ample opportunity to sleep. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Arrhythmias are a common symptom of ischemic heart disease and can often be a sign that the condition is progressing. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). WebAfter first reading these examples, the obvious answer is that the private examiners opinion in VA sleep apnea claim #2 was what made the difference. Left-sided CHF: Left-sided CHF is the most common form of CHF and begins when the left ventricle cant effectively deliver blood throughout the body. VA may deny a sleep apnea claim based on different aspects, whether theres not enough medical evidence of sleep apnea or perhaps no logical connection between your military service and your current sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep. All Rights Reserved. During an evaluation for sleep apnea, a doctor may ask some of the following questions: During the exam, the doctor may also take into consideration your weight, neck circumference, or blood pressure (all which could put you at higher risk for sleep apnea). Knowing what to look for and how to manage these conditions can help you stay healthy and live a full life. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. 2 3 The main known risk factors for OSA are obesity, male gender, high age, increased neck What happens during a C&P exam for sleep apnea? While arrhythmias can be serious, most people with the condition can manage their symptoms and live long, healthy lives. shampoo for damaged hair. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. A 30% rating is given if there is one or more of the following: A 10% rating is given if there is one or more of the following: Ischemic heart disease is a serious condition, and it can have a significant impact on a veterans quality of life. Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. (The Insiders Guide). For veterans who have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea without a sleep study by the VA, the veteran may have to undergo a sleep study done by the VA in order to confirm the diagnosis for benefit purposes. WebCVA Heart Institute is a medical group practice located in Wytheville, VA that specializes in Cardiology. Additionally, there are some cases that the VA cannot schedule re-examinations: If you are interested in learning more about C&P examinations, check out our guide! As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The team at Hill & Ponton may be able to assist you with a denial of benefits for sleep apnea. Prec. Generally, there are three types of sleep apnea: Oftentimes, the symptoms of the three types of sleep apnea can overlap, making diagnosis more difficult. G.C. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Do you take naps? #1: Air is pulled in through the nasal passages. Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! I chalked it up to long work hours, stress from the job, a deployment, and various mental health issues. As a part of the VAs duty to assist veterans in obtaining evidence to help prove their claim, the VA has a duty to assist veterans in scheduling the examination for a sleep study and helping them realize the VA disability claim that they are entitled to. The VA will consider the severity of the veterans symptoms. In some cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be recommended to help prevent sudden cardiac death. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! The VA refers to mixed sleep apnea as a combination of the obstructive and central forms of the condition. Therefore, veterans who are service connected for sleep apnea can become secondary service-connected for their GERD, and vice versa. be resistance among military clinics worldwide from ordering-up sleep studies When the heart doesnt get enough oxygen-rich blood, it can cause the muscles in the airway to relax, leading to obstruction and sleep apnea. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. People with untreated sleep apnea are twice as likely to have a heart attack compared apnea condition or subjective complaints of sleep apnea.. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. WebLets look a little deeper at OSA for a minute Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by far the most common type of Sleep Apnea that affects veterans. The inability to get the kind of restful sleep necessary for optimal health can affect a veterans ability to effectively secure and maintain gainful employment, which is often the case with sleep apnea. The VA rates IHD between 10-100%. Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while Many veterans have or develop Sleep Apnea and common signs and symptoms include: If you suffer from any of these symptoms, its highly recommended to see a doctor right away. sleep apnea was during you service. WebObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a more common disorder than currently diagnosed in the clinic. Quick note: You MUST have a medical diagnosis of Id. It puts extra strain on the heart and can damage the arteries. Proper detection and treatment of sleep apnea might Diastolic CHF: Diastolic CHF occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff. For a 50% rating, the diagnostic criteria still Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure ( CPAP) machine.. For instance, which pages you go to most. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. #2: It crosses the uvula that dangling thing in the back of your throat. Pursuant to Diagnostic Code 6847, VA disability ratings for Sleep Apnea are as follows: Sleep Apnea is rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed): 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed): Many veterans with Sleep Apnea, especially those who were diagnosed long after leaving the military, might still be eligible if medical evidence shows your Sleep Apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability such as musculoskeletal conditions and/or mental health conditions. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. A veterans final VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, meaning, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for Sleep Apnea. However, sometimes a VA C&P examiner (such as a Nurse Practitioner) will call you on the telephone and conduct an Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) exam review of your Sleep Apnea claim. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Sleep-deprived partners. Most often, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such ashearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. The General Rating Formula for heart conditions ranges from 10% to 100% with breaks at 10%, 30%, 60% and 100%. There is growing evidence that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. WebMCV Associates Physicians is a medical group practice located in Richmond, VA that specializes in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and General Surgery. Secret hack: You can also order a sleep study If the first half of the nights results confirm you have sleep apnea, the second half of the night will utilize the PAP device to prepare you for ongoing treatment. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. The proposed changes incorporate medical advances that have occurred since the last review, update medical terminology, and clarify evaluation criteria These cookies collect information about how you use our website. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, medications, implantable devices, and surgery. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine puts it simply. Maybe youve gained a significant amount of weight due to your other service connected disabilities, which has limited your ability to walk, run, or workout, and this is the interim link to secondary service connection due to weight gain (obesity). If a veteran does not attend the exam, their claim can be denied. CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: Believe it or not, buddy statements can be helpful in proving sleep apnea claims if you can find vets who you served with and heard you snoring, or can talk about the issues that led to the sleep apnea. 1 It is a serious public health problem due to its many comorbidities, including an increased risk to coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Being honest and thorough is important so everything can be properly documented. It can cause a Heart Attack, the most common type of valvular heart disease. PTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. As such, a veteran with anxiety and depression faces a higher risk of sleep apnea. If you need a Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor to service connect your VA sleep apnea claim secondary to another disability, click HERE now and complete our FREE 3-step intake. This is likely due to a variety of factors related to service, such as exposure to noise, possibility of traumatic brain injury, and exposure to explosive devices like IEDs. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. If you are among the former military service members living with sleep apnea, you may be eligible for veterans disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Its important to have your condition documented by a medical professional. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. You might also like the following Blog posts about Sleep Apnea: #2. for active duty military members. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent complete and partial upper airway obstructive events, resulting in intermittent hypoxemia, autonomic fluctuation, and sleep fragmentation. you viewed to avoid repetition. Authors Ischemic heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked. When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. aggravated by another service-connected disability. This can often interfere with daily life. The VA will usually order a sleep study to be performed in order to confirm a current diagnosis of sleep apnea. The most common symptoms include: There are a multitude of potential causes of sleep apnea in adults, but in veterans specifically, the causes could include: To confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea, a sleep study must be given to show that you are experiencing breathing problems, and other sleep disorders and health problems have been ruled out. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Trials such as SAVE (Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints), RICCADSA (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure [CPAP] Treatment in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea), and CERCAS (Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on the Incidence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Events in Nonsleepy Patients With These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. This is because, while asleep, the body may not clear the veterans esophagus as it would when the veteran is awake, thereby exacerbating the veterans GERD. Veterans may also receive secondary service connection for anxiety and depression if they are already service-connected for sleep apnea. If the veteran has previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but has not undergone a sleep study, VAwill notconsider that diagnosis enough evidence to verify eligibility for compensation. Sinusitis also affects the nose, throat, and head, much like sleep apnea. These changes may lead to clogged arteries and poor heart muscle function. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Since sleep apnea can correlate with conditions like heart disease and obesity, its important to seek treatment options. WebVA regional office denied the claims and she appealed. Generally, to establish service connection, the veteran needs to submit three things to VA: Veterans can submit a claim for service connection on VA From 21-526EZ. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. If your heart is healthy, it can pump enough blood to meet the increased demand. After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Many veterans are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and thereforewith an effective claim that includes the right evidenceshould be eligible for a sleep apnea VA rating. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 To receive benefits, you must first prove that there is a service connection. If your VA claim was denied, we may be able to assist you. The VA rates ischemic heart disease under the General Rating Formula for Heart Conditions with a range from 10% to 100%. A ton According to medical research, military veterans are FOUR TIMES (4x) more likely to have sleep apnea than the normal civilian population, a truly staggering number. There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. Repeated surges in blood pressure levels can damage the lining of the blood vessels, and sleep disturbances can also raise levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and other blood fats. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 The VA assigns a disability rating to each condition based on the severity of the condition and its effects on the veterans ability to work and live a normal life. In this post, we will be exploring how to get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The lungs arent getting fresh air. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. But, maybe theres a better way to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Study Impact: Our findings reveal a close relationship between the atherosclerosis-related burden measured by the coronary artery calcium score and the severity of sleep apnea that persisted after adjusting for confounding variables related to the risk of coronary artery disease. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your Sleep Apnea condition is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), or coronary heart disease, is a condition that occurs when an artery supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked or narrowed. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Additionally, the more severe a veterans PTSD is, the more severe their sleep apnea can become. Okay, lets explore how you can service connect sleep apnea secondary. veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. The more severe the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! any private medical records. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. You're not alone. How do I prove VA disability for sleep apnea? We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. In addition to primary service connection for sleep apnea, veterans can receive secondary service connection for any conditions that were caused or aggravated by their already service-connected sleep apnea. All Rights Reserved. A current diagnosis of sleep apnea, as confirmed by a sleep study; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. WebThe diagnostic criteria for a VA sleep apnea claim, found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Search: Dbq Sleep Apnea Secondary To Ptsd. study. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. This may seem redundant, especially if the primary condition has already been assessed, however it is still important to attend the exam and cooperate with the examiner. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Medical evidence and documented medical records from a VAC&P exam will be necessary for the process of filing your claim and could even reveal other secondary conditions. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Some conditions that can be secondary to sleep apnea may include but are not limited to: If you have a service-connected condition that you believe is causing your sleep apnea, it may be a good idea to start to talk to your doctors about it. Proposed rating must be based on entire medical history, Must show there has been improvement in veterans functionality, If you have a rating that has remained the same for over five years (stabilized), If you have a total disability rating, meaning 100 percent rating. nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. Because of this close relationship between ischemic heart disease and heart failure, its important for anyone diagnosed with one of these conditions to be closely monitored by a cardiologist. Since this Recognizing and Addressing An Underrated Veteran Disability Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is sexual harassment and or sexual assault experienced by a military service member. In some cases, arrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest. Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past? Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. However, if you have ischemic heart disease, the reduced blood flow can cause the electrical activity to become abnormal. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. What Are the Different VA Heart Condition Ratings? Further compounding the issue is there seems to As such, veterans can establish secondary service connection for hypothyroidism relating to sleep apnea. Finally, a 100% rating is available when sleep apnea is so severe that it involves organ damage. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your doctor will monitor your hearts electrical activity and blood flow. Research has found that veterans who have chronic tinnitus also prevalently experience sleep apnea. Check out our Philips CPAP Recall page here! These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with many different forms of CVD including hypertension, stroke, HF, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation (AF). You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim. Valvular heart disease is often a secondary condition to another form of heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease.