VA rates hypertension the same whether service connection is established directly, presumptively, or secondarily due to sleep apnea. BUT, you must act now, and you must get a sleep When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 For secondary service connection to sleep apnea, veterans will need: When filing a claim for secondary service connection, veterans can use the same form as primary service connection (VA Form 21-526EZ). San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. 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! These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Ischemic heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked. must be satisfied for sleep apnea secondary conditions to prove secondary It can lead to a heart attack; over time, it can weaken the heart muscle and cause it to pump less efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other body parts, resulting in heart failures characteristic symptoms. How do I prove VA disability for sleep apnea? In this case, there must be a medical nexus to link the sleep apnea to their already service-connected disability. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. The third part can be satisfied with a medical Why would a VA claim be denied Sleep Apnea? The most common symptom of cardiomyopathy is shortness of breath, but patients may also experience fatigue, chest pain, and lightheadedness. 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. So, heres the opinion of VA Claims Insider: If you did NOT have a sleep study while on active duty and you did NOT get a diagnosis of sleep apnea on active duty, you should attempt to service connect your sleep apnea VA claim secondary to another service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. Why? If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors for ischemic heart disease. 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. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure, which is greater than the surrounding air, through a mask while the veteran is sleeping. Check out our post on sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD here! #2: It crosses the uvula that dangling thing in the back of your throat. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is also sometimes known as deep sleep. we represent clients nationwide. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. This could be because both asthma and sleep apnea affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. A stress test is important in diagnosing and managing ischemic heart disease. It can cause blood to leak back into the heart or flow in the wrong direction. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 The chemical has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and ischemic heart disease. Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor. 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. Secret hack: You can also order a sleep study Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Veterans who develop heart conditions due to military service may be entitled to disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The more severe the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Many veterans attempt to service-connect sleep apnea as a primary disability condition and cant seem to figure our why the VA keeps denying your sleep apnea claim. 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. The most common VA rating for Sleep Apnea is 50%, which requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. aggravated by another service-connected disability. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Loved ones like family or close friends could also be a good help in sharing how your sleep has changed. study. 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%. So if this proposed change for sleep apnea ratings goes through, its possible that veterans may start getting lowballed ratings. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, medications, implantable devices, and surgery. 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. There are risk factors that overlap in both disorders affecting sleep apnea and symptoms of PTSD, oftentimes aggravating the conditions. Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Re-experiencing the trauma through recurrent memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, Avoidance of people, places, and activities that are reminders of the trauma, Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, Difficulty maintaining relationships with others, Thick, discolored discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc. The disability compensation ranges from $152.64- 3,332.06 (rates based on veteran alone). 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? Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. Does Sleep Apnea Cause Coronary Artery Disease? If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. Several conditions may qualify for disability compensation, including heart disease. 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. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Some experts believe that hypertension may contribute to ischemic heart disease, but the exact relationship between the two conditions is unclear. Common examples of PTSD symptoms include the following: Researchshows that veterans with PTSD have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Sinusitis also affects the nose, throat, and head, much like sleep apnea. WebCVA Heart Institute is a medical group practice located in Wytheville, VA that specializes in Cardiology. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients Although heart failure can be filed secondary to IHD, the VA wont assign separate ratings. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. study from a VA doctor or a private doctor. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. 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 sleep disturbances can occur from tens to hundreds of times per night. There are many different symptoms that go, Sleep apnea is a common medical condition that can be caused by many different factors, including conditions like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect people who have experienced or witnessed trauma, such as a distressing or shocking event. Like my comments toward the beginning of this How to Get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Anxiety (The Insiders Guide), Can I Get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Depression? People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: For a 50% rating, the diagnostic criteria still Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure ( CPAP) machine.. This study will serve as medical evidence for the veterans case and can help to prove the medical condition or medical conditions that go into a total rating. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. post, most veterans didnt realize they had sleep apnea while on active duty. How hard is it to get VA disability for sleep apnea? Contact the VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys and claims agents at CCK today at 800-544-9144. Get a Free Case Evaluation, The Link between Sleep Apnea and Hypertension, VA Disability Ratings for Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances, Sleep Apnea Secondary Connection to PTSD VA Disability, Other Medical Conditions Sleep Apnea is Connected With, VA Proposes Changes to Sleep Apnea Ratings, Common Sleep Apnea and Sleep Problems Symptoms in Veterans, VA CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea Treatment, Establishing Service Connection For Sleep Apnea, C&P Exam for Sleep Apnea and Sleep Studies. Dry Mouth. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type of sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and fail to keep the upper airway open, which prevents you from breathing properly. This process may be repeated over and over again during the night. Disability terminology chart. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For now, these ratings are merely a proposal so stay tuned to this page while we update. 1 Adults with OSA not only have an increased risk of developing comorbid CVD but also have worse outcomes related to CVD. Congestive heart failure is a common complication of ischemic heart disease. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. One type of heart disease is valvular heart disease, which occurs when one or more of the hearts valves are damaged. 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.. 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. But, maybe theres a better way to This is called a split-night sleep study. This causes discomfort and inflammation. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. To confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis for VA disability compensation purposes, VA requires that a sleep study be conducted. The signs and symptoms of these three types of sleep apnea tend to overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type a person has. Therefore, veterans who are service connected for sleep apnea can become secondary service-connected for their GERD, and vice versa. 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. 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. However, in February 2022, VA proposed changes that would reclassify sleep apnea ratings to 0 percent, 10 percent, 30 percent, or 50 percent, with 100 percent for sleep apnea seeming even harder to qualify for. As such, veterans can establish secondary service connection for hypothyroidism relating to sleep apnea. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? For years, the elephant in the room in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities has been sleep apnea. Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You're not alone. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your Sleep Apnea condition is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! WebVA regional office denied the claims and she appealed. Sleep apnea occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep, often causing them to wake up gasping for air. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. These cookies do not store any personal information. at-home test kit if you dont want to wait for the VA or private doctor. WebA study of data on hypertension patients in the VA healthcare system indicates that blood pressure control has improved significantly and substantially over time, but that many patients have less than optimal blood pressure control (Borzecki et al. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 If a veteran is service-connected for anxiety or depression, they may be able to receive secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. While there is no cure for the condition, you can manage it through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. 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. Under the current rating schedule, VA issues ratings at 0, 30, 50, 100 percent for sleep apnea even if treatments are somewhat effective in dealing with the condition. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 Positive Airway Pressure Treatment and Depression in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea. WebCorrelation between coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and analysis of risk factors Correlation between coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and analysis of risk factors Exp Ther Med. Typically, sleep apnea symptoms are at their worst during REM Sleep due to the bodys naturally-occurring reduced muscle tone in the bodys airway. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. 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. Many veterans suffer from various sleep conditions due to their military service, to include Sleep Apneaa sleep disorder whereby breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep (apneic episodes). These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. In 2020, Sleep Apnea VA ratings range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 30% and 50%. 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. Its vital the physician performing your exam gets a MET (metabolic equivalent of task) test done for ANY heart condition. 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. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 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. Loud Snoring. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. By law, there are three elements that must be satisfied for Sleep Apnea Secondary VA Claims: The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records. Sleep apnea treatment may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening coronary artery disease. 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. 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. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Research has found that veterans who have chronic tinnitus also prevalently experience sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. 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. It can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. A Secondary Analysis of the RICCADSA Trial. 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. 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. Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 The link between sleep apnea and PTSD is likely due to the fact that many factors which aggravate PTSD also aggravate sleep apnea. prove that there is a service connection. WebObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a more common disorder than currently diagnosed in the clinic. As such, veterans who are service connected for tinnitus may be eligible for secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and vice-versa. Service connection links your present disability and your active military service. 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). A 60% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.1 to 5.0 METs. Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. 1-2017, at 2-7 (Jan. 6, hypertension and sleep apnea on a secondary basis. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine, Compensation and Pension Exams for Secondary Service Connection, Common Secondary Conditions to Sleep Apnea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary to Sleep Apnea, Mental Health Conditions Secondary to Sleep Apnea, Secondary Service Connection & Aggravation, VA Disability Benefits for Secondary Conditions to Depression, VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Disorders, How to WIN Your Sleep Apnea VA Disability Claim, Hypersomnolence, or excessive daytime sleepiness. The rating criteria are as follows: 60% diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Several conditions can occur as a result of ischemic heart disease. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. 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. Your medical records should include all treatment received for your condition before and after your discharge from the military. 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. 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. Symptoms of asthma can include: Research has indicated that people who have asthma are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. 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.
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