As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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). Need an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to help service-connect your sleep apnea VA claim? Symptoms of sinusitis often include: Chronic sinusitis can also cause nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, and recurring respiratory tract infections. There are many common conditions that can be caused or aggravated by sleep apnea. A Secondary Analysis of the RICCADSA Trial. sleep apnea and that must be confirmed by a sleep study (its okay if this prove that there is a service connection. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve! As such, veterans who are service connected for tinnitus may be eligible for secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and vice-versa. R. at 7. 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. 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. Veterans, do you think you might have 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. A current diagnosis of sleep apnea, as confirmed by a sleep study; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. It is much more VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Common Symptoms in Veterans, Sleep Apnea and Secondary Service Connection, Sleep Apnea VA Claim SECRETS *LIVE* with VA Claims Insider. Veterans may also receive secondary service connection for anxiety and depression if they are already service-connected for sleep apnea. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. yet assertive representation for our clients. 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. 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 Diastolic CHF: Diastolic CHF occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff. Research has found that veterans who have chronic tinnitus also prevalently experience sleep apnea. To receive benefits, you must first prove that there is a service connection. In addition, the stress test can also help your doctor determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has. Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular 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. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 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). Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past? They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University. Physicians will treat sleep apnea depending on the type and severity of the condition. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. They can also occur due to other conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. 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. Asymptomatic sleep apnea would not be compensated under the tentative regulation. Note: Millions of Philips CPAP Machines have been recalled due to toxic chemical seeping into mask and unknowingly being inhaled by sleep apnea patients. post, most veterans didnt realize they had sleep apnea while on active duty. Click HERE to read now. 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. But, maybe theres a better way to Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your Sleep Apnea condition is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. Click the button below to start for FREE. This could be because both asthma and sleep apnea affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone. 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. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. you were on active duty, and furthermore, you probably didnt even know what If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! By law, there are three evidentiary elements that These cookies do not store any personal information. WebThe diagnostic criteria for a VA sleep apnea claim, found in the Code of Federal Regulations, have not changed. The VA rates ischemic heart disease under the General Rating Formula for Heart Conditions with a range from 10% to 100%. To receive benefits, you will need to file a claim and get service-connected for it. 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. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but many who have sleep apnea do snore regularly and loudly. You would need a diagnosis and a medical nexus letter that will link your condition to your service or service-connected disability. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. There is no evidence in the veterans service treatment records of any sleep 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. The best way to do this is by providing a complete medical history and linking it to your military service records. Continuous medication is required for control. Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Specifically, VA uses 38 CFR 4.104 Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7101. 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. Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. 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. 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. As such, the two conditions have been linked and veterans can receive secondary service connection for sinusitis linked to sleep apnea. Proper detection and treatment of sleep apnea might 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. You provide evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or aggravation. You're not alone. How Does Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Affect Ischemic Heart Disease? Sleep-deprived partners. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. 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. This causes discomfort and inflammation. The rating criteria are as follows: 60% diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. for active duty military members. Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. Service connection links your present disability and your active military service. Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. The following are the different ratings that can be assigned to heart conditions: All heart conditions are rated on the General Rating Formula unless otherwise noted. This is called a split-night sleep study. If a doctor thinks its highly likely you have sleep apnea, the sleep study may also involve a positive air pressure (PAP) device. You can increase the chances of successfully demonstrating a service connection by completing the three parts of the Caluza triangle: It can also be important to document and disclose your Severity of Symptoms in terms of their frequency, severity, and duration. You may need to undergo a Sleep Study to determine if you have Sleep Apnea. The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Some doctors may have you fill out a questionnaire about your sleep habits. Symptoms of asthma can include: Research has indicated that people who have asthma are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. One type of heart disease is valvular heart disease, which occurs when one or more of the hearts valves are damaged. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. It can cause a Heart Attack, the most common type of valvular heart disease. Prior to the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file so they are familiar with the veterans case. any private medical records. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Why? Op. 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. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to, or the result of, a service-connected disability. As such, veterans who are service-connected for PTSD are eligible for secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. This means that a veteran has an already service-connected disability that caused the veteran to have sleep apnea. of hypertrophy or dilatation. It can be due to plaque buildup, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. study. 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. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. 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. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). 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. PTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Filing a claim for secondary service connection is largely the same as filing a claim for primary service connection. 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. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects about22 million people nationwide. Tinnitus is known as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! This guide will outline the basics of sleep apnea, how the VA disability rating works for this condition, and how qualifying veterans can prove direct service connection as well as sleep apnea as a secondary service connected condition to PTSD. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. This machine then allows the upper airway passages to remain open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring. Arrhythmias are a common symptom of ischemic heart disease and can often be a sign that the condition is progressing. As blood backs up into the blood vessels, the body starts to retain fluid in the abdomen and lower body. What Are the Different VA Heart Condition Ratings? People with sleep apnea who underwent coronary bypass surgery had a higher rate of complications than those without sleep apnea. are still among the most common treatments. Claire Szewczyk Updated: November 7, 2022. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex and heterogeneous common chronic disease characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway collapse, affecting 40%60% of patients with ACS [1, 2]. High Blood Pressure Secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What Veterans Should Know Are you suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension? 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). 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). While appellate litigation proceeded, the connection on direct or secondary bases because it did not qualify as a disease or injury. 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. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. One in five adults suffers from at least mild sleep apnea; it afflicts more men than women. The second part can be satisfied with a #2: It crosses the uvula that dangling thing in the back of your throat. 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. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD, Denied for Benefits? This blockage is caused when the back throat muscles relax, impairing the airflow. 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). There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Nexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. Sinusitis is a condition where a persons sinuses become swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. There is growing evidence that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Its estimated that patients with sleep apnea are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) than people without this condition. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most. Sometimes the VA will schedule re-examinations to determine if there has been an improvement with a veterans sleep apnea has improved. The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. 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. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. 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. 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. People with tinnitus may hear phantom noises, such as: Tinnitus is one of the most frequently claimed conditions for service connection. 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. 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. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Loud snoring can keep anyone who sleeps nearby from getting good rest. *Cases of left-sided CHF can be further classified into one of two sub-types, characterized by the manner in which the ventricle is affected: This guide is intended to provide an overview of the most common conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. 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. The most common symptom of cardiomyopathy is shortness of breath, but patients may also experience fatigue, chest pain, and lightheadedness. Since sleep apnea can correlate with conditions like heart disease and obesity, its important to seek treatment options. >> Click HERE now to get your FREE copy of my eBook: The Insiders Guide to VA Claims for Sleep Apnea. <<. You may be eligible for benefits if you have a service-related heart condition requiring treatment with a stent. An MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 7.1 to 10.0 METs. According to the Mayo Clinic, Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.. Sleep apnea occurs when a persons breathing is interrupted during sleep, often causing them to wake up gasping for air. Sinusitis also affects the nose, throat, and head, much like sleep apnea. 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. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. you viewed to avoid repetition. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Dry Mouth. Why would a VA claim be denied Sleep Apnea? Okay veterans lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and level of impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If your VA claim was denied, we may be able to assist you. medical diagnosis of sleep apnea while on active duty and you never did a sleep Trying to service-connect sleep apnea secondary to PTSD? During the exam, the examiner may evaluate both the primary and secondary condition. In addition to being a secondary condition to ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias can also be caused by other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. 26,27 More recent studies have found an even higher prevalence of both CSA and OSA in heart failure patients. It will also look at any treatment received to determine the appropriate rating. While we still have our home base in Florida, Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while Click the button below to get more information. If it has, there might be a rating reduction. As such, a veteran with anxiety and depression faces a higher risk of sleep apnea. 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. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients A polysomnogram at a sleep center might be preferred if you have heart or lung disease, risk factors for central sleep apnea or a history of other sleep disorders. I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. Gasping For Air. VA rates hypertension the same whether service connection is established directly, presumptively, or secondarily due to sleep apnea. OSA largely results from a disruption in the normal breathing process. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. 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. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Contact Us High Blood Pressure. Hypersomnolence (i.e., excessive daytime sleepiness), Mental anxiety and/or depression related to combat, Use of alcohol, sedatives, certain medications or tranquilizers. To confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis for VA disability compensation purposes, VA requires that a sleep study be conducted. The proposed changes incorporate medical advances that have occurred since the last review, update medical terminology, and clarify evaluation criteria I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. They are a leading cause of heart failure and death worldwide and are one of the common secondary conditions in veterans with ischemic heart disease. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate 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 this post, we will be exploring how to get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea. Although heart failure can be filed secondary to IHD, the VA wont assign separate ratings. 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. Ann Am Thorac Soc. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain either does not send signals to the muscles that control breathing or those signals are interrupted.