The third part can be satisfied with aMedical Nexus Letter, aka, Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)from a qualified medical professional. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep. Congestive heart failure is a common complication of ischemic heart disease. Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) Research from 2018 estimates that obstructive sleep apnea affects 34% of men and 17% of women in the general population but 40% of men and 60% of women with cardiovascular disease. To receive benefits, you must first prove that there is a service connection. 5 Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea. 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. 26,27 More recent studies have found an even higher prevalence of both CSA and OSA in heart failure patients. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, sleep apnea as a secondary service connected condition to PTSD, Calculate Your Potential Compensation Now. shampoo for damaged hair. Epidemiological research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increases in the incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. The VA refers to mixed sleep apnea as a combination of the obstructive and central forms of the condition. 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. All clinician information blocks at the bottom of the DBQs must be completed and the form signed and dated by the clinician completing the DBQ. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. VA Form 21-686c: A Quick 8-Step Guide For Veterans. Finally, a 100% rating is available when sleep apnea is so severe that it involves organ damage. Sometimes the VA will schedule re-examinations to determine if there has been an improvement with a veterans sleep apnea has improved. 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. With an audible gasp, breathing starts again. Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease. It will also look at any treatment received to determine the appropriate rating. Specifically, both anxiety and depression can be linked to sleep apnea. When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. 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. 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. Headache. Several studies have shown an increased risk of ischemic heart disease among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. medical diagnosis of sleep apnea while on active duty and you never did a sleep Why? At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation youre owed by law. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. A C&P exam and a sleep apnea diagnosis are crucial to qualifying for the upper tiers of compensation. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. 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. we represent clients nationwide. Veterans who develop heart conditions due to military service may be entitled to disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 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. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have irregular results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. WebThis is called hypopnea (decreased breathing) or apnea (meaning no breathing). Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim (The Insiders Guide). Service connection links your present disability and your active military service. In 2020, Sleep Apnea VA ratings range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 30% and 50%. A person must have a polysomnogram, either in a sleep lab or at home, in order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. In this blog post, we will discuss how. How hard is it to get VA disability for sleep apnea? Tinnitus is known as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Check out our post on sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD here! In order to establish direct service connection for sleep apnea, a claimant must show that they have: A veteran can also establish service connection for sleep apnea on asecondarybasis. Cardiomyopathies often lead to abnormalities in heart function, including arrhythmias, chamber dilation, and reduced pumping ability. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent complete and partial upper airway obstructive events, resulting in intermittent hypoxemia, autonomic fluctuation, and sleep fragmentation. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. When I was on active duty, I had a ton of sleep issues, but I never realized those symptoms might have been due to an underlying sleep apnea condition. As such, veterans who are service connected for tinnitus may be eligible for secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and vice-versa. Good news, there is a better way and theres a laundry list of possible sleep apnea secondary conditions. While there is no cure for the condition, you can manage it through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever condition has the higher rating. Anxiety and depression can interfere with a persons sleep patterns, as well as cause symptoms of hyperarousal or hypervigilance. Because the chamber must relax in order to fill with blood between contractions, this stiffness means that an inadequate amount of blood is available to pump to the rest of the body. WebIf you are diagnosed with a chronic disease within one year of active -duty release, you should apply for disability compensation. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. For instance, which pages you go to most. This means that a veteran has an already service-connected disability that caused the veteran to have sleep apnea. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Sleep-deprived partners. A polysomnogram is a sleep study in which medical devices are used to monitor a persons breathing, heart rate, and the electrical activity of their brain waves while they sleep. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. People with tinnitus may hear phantom noises, such as: Tinnitus is one of the most frequently claimed conditions for service connection. A 100% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.0 METs or less. Filing a claim for secondary service connection is largely the same as filing a claim for primary service connection. One type of heart disease is valvular heart disease, which occurs when one or more of the hearts valves are damaged. In this case, there must be a medical nexus to link the sleep apnea to their already service-connected disability. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain either does not send signals to the muscles that control breathing or those signals are interrupted. You may also be asked to fill out what is called a Disability Benefits Questionnaire or a DBQ. During a C&P exam for sleep apnea, you will be asked questions about your condition and how it affects your day-to-day life. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that To be able to provide a nexus linking their sleep apnea to the secondary condition. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of death among veterans. Proper detection and treatment of sleep apnea might The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. Physicians will treat sleep apnea depending on the type and severity of the condition. Is Hypertension Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease? As such, the two conditions have been linked and veterans can receive secondary service connection for sinusitis linked to sleep apnea. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. 1-2017, at 2-7 (Jan. 6, hypertension and sleep apnea on a secondary basis. It can cause blood to leak back into the heart or flow in the wrong direction. 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. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? If you are the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who has passed away, youre eligible Average Disability Payment Agent Orange Ischemic Heart Disease, VA Secondary Conditions to Ischemic Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Heart Failure Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Arrhythmias Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Cardiomyopathies Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Valvular Heart Disease Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). If a veteran does not attend the exam, their claim can be denied. The lungs arent getting fresh air. Sleep apnea can cause various health problems, including heart disease. 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. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your doctor will monitor your hearts electrical activity and blood flow. Your Sleep Apnea VA Rating A Guide to Getting a VA Disability Rating for Sleep Apnea, Top 10 Questions About Military Sexual Trauma (MST), A post shared by VA Claims Insider (@vaclaimsinsider). How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! In this post, we will be exploring how to get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea. yet assertive representation for our clients. 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. Were seeing veterans coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the southwest Asia theater of war with severe sleep issues, which can oftentimesbe linked to PTSD. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Symptoms of asthma can include: Research has indicated that people who have asthma are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. What happens during a C&P exam for sleep apnea? CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. The VA will usually order a sleep study to be performed in order to confirm a current diagnosis of sleep apnea. Its also important to document whether you have a breathing machine, such as a CPAP or BiPAP, as this is the most common difference between the 30% and 50% VA rating for Sleep Apnea. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Although it can happen to anyone, it is more common in people who are overweight, have large tonsils, or have certain medical conditions. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with many different forms of CVD including hypertension, stroke, HF, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation (AF). Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. One of the most common causes of heart failure is ischemic heart disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked or narrowed. The more severe the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 All Rights Reserved. However, there has been a growing controversy over the amount of money the VA pays veterans afflicted with this condition, and an increasing lobby to get rid of compensation for it. 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. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. 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. Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart rhythm disorders, lung damage, and kidney failure. VA rates hypertension the same whether service connection is established directly, presumptively, or secondarily due to sleep apnea. click HERE now and complete our FREE 3-step intake. Specifically, VA uses 38 CFR 4.104 Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7101. If so, how often and how long are your naps? How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other tissues. An MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 5.1 to 7.0 METs. Sleep apnea is a condition that can be caused by several factors, including ischemic heart disease. Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. Id. After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. This VA dependents Today, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider reveals the Top 8 VA Benefits for Surviving Spouse this year. 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. Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University. Veterans may also receive secondary service connection for anxiety and depression if they are already service-connected for sleep apnea. How to Service Connect Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD. While arrhythmias can be serious, most people with the condition can manage their symptoms and live long, healthy lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. There is growing evidence that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. In fact, did you know U.S. military veterans are nearly four times (4x) as likely to have or develop sleep apnea when compared to those who didnt serve in the military? I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sleep apnea is rated under 38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central Mixed). Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 study. ==> Click HERE to apply for FREE:www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com <==. sleep apnea was during you service. G.C. Sinusitis also affects the nose, throat, and head, much like sleep apnea. sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD, Denied for Benefits? Contact Us Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve! Need an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to help service-connect your sleep apnea VA claim? 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. 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. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. Usually, a sleep specialist will monitor the veterans breathing overnight for a sleep study. Secret hack: You can also order a sleep study A stress test is important in diagnosing and managing ischemic heart disease. >> Click HERE now to get your FREE copy of my eBook: The Insiders Guide to VA Claims for Sleep Apnea. <<. How do I prove VA disability for sleep apnea? Earlier studies estimated the prevalence of OSA in heart failure with reduced EF to be 12-15%, while the prevalence of central sleep apnea (CSA) was between 37-38%. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. These changes may lead to clogged arteries and poor heart muscle function. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. 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. Call Us for a Free Evaluation (888) 573-7838. . aggravated by another service-connected disability. The DBQ allows an examiner at a C&P exam to check boxes next to descriptions that best express how your sleep apnea is affecting you. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. As such, a veteran with anxiety and depression faces a higher risk of sleep apnea. 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Do you take naps? diagnosis and sleep study occurred years AFTER leaving active duty). As an Intelligence Officer, she led teams of analysts to apply advanced analytic skills to identify, assess, and report potential threats to U.S. forces. This can often interfere with daily life. A showing of causation requires that the This is called a split-night sleep study. The exact mechanism by which the chemical causes this condition is not yet known, but it is thought that it may interfere with the normal functioning of the heart muscle or the arteries. Veterans, do you think you might have Sleep Apnea? Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. If treatment for sleep apnea provides only limited alleviation, you will only receive ten percent of your maximum compensation, even if a CPAP machine is required. Its vital the physician performing your exam gets a MET (metabolic equivalent of task) test done for ANY heart condition. Sleep apnea treatment may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening coronary artery disease. You might also like the following Blog posts about Sleep Apnea: #2. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When the throat muscles are weakened due to asthma, there is a greater likelihood for the throat to collapse and create an obstruction of the airway. Asymptomatic sleep apnea would not be compensated under the tentative regulation. 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. 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. Studies have shown that war veterans exhibiting these symptoms tend to have increased frequency and length of apneic events that can be proven by a medical professional. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)so you can increase your rating fast!If youve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low ratingor youre unsure how to get startedreach out to us! any private medical records. The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. If your heart is healthy, it can pump enough blood to meet the increased demand. These machines create airway pressure to help the individual breathe throughout the night. These secondary conditions can significantly impact a patients quality of life and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Heres the deal Lets begin today's post with the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): It is HARD to get service connected for Sleep Apnea secondary to Depression.
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