People with tinnitus may hear phantom noises, such as: Tinnitus is one of the most frequently claimed conditions for service connection. 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. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. In this post we'll explore how to get a service connected VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea secondary to Anxiety, even if you've already filed, been denied, or gave up. High Blood Pressure. Arrhythmias occur when the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively, which can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! The disability compensation depends on the disability rating. If your VA rating is higher (30 - 100%), consider filing a claim. Claire Szewczyk Updated: November 7, 2022. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. How to Service Connect Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 They can also occur due to other conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. 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. Since sleep apnea can correlate with conditions like heart disease and obesity, its important to seek treatment options. 1 Adults with OSA not only have an increased risk of developing comorbid CVD but also have worse outcomes related to CVD. See 67 FR 54394. Veterans who develop heart conditions due to military service may be entitled to disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Op. The lungs arent getting fresh air. The VA will usually order a sleep study to be performed in order to confirm a current diagnosis of sleep apnea. As such, veterans who are service connected for tinnitus may be eligible for secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and vice-versa. UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS Sleep Apnea Treatment options include lifestyle modification, medications, implantable devices, and surgery. 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. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or requires tracheostomy, Requires use of breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine, Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing, Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep (usually observed by your spouse or partner), Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), Excessive daytime tiredness (hypersomnia). 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. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. The rating criteria are as follows: 60% diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more Did you know there are more than 40+ conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? You're not alone. Since that time, we have provided compassionate 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.. Over time, hypertension can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. WebObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a more common disorder than currently diagnosed in the clinic. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? There is no evidence in the veterans service treatment records of any sleep 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. 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. WebThis is called hypopnea (decreased breathing) or apnea (meaning no breathing). To confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis for VA disability compensation purposes, VA requires that a sleep study be conducted. interim link to secondary service connection due to weight gain (obesity). Although it can happen to anyone, it is more common in people who are overweight, have large tonsils, or have certain medical conditions. Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Coronary Artery His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease. This process may be repeated over and over again during the night. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. How Does Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Affect Ischemic Heart Disease? I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. sleep The General Rating Formula for heart conditions ranges from 10% to 100% with breaks at 10%, 30%, 60% and 100%. Sleep Apnea You're not alone. 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. The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 PTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. study from a VA doctor or a private doctor. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. 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. 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. Diastolic CHF: Diastolic CHF occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. The VA will consider the severity of the veterans symptoms. The second part can be satisfied with a 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. sleep apnea The severity of the sleep disorder directly impacts diabetes symptoms, they say. Does Sleep Apnea Cause Coronary Artery Disease? 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. 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. study. Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent complete and partial upper airway obstructive events, resulting in intermittent hypoxemia, autonomic fluctuation, and sleep fragmentation. 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. Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor. This machine then allows the upper airway passages to remain open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring. sleep apnea was during you service. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 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. I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 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). We have updated our Privacy Policy. Sometimes the VA will schedule re-examinations to determine if there has been an improvement with a veterans sleep apnea has improved. Because the medical research is slim to You might also like the following Sleep Apnea Blog posts: Top 3 Most Common VA Sleep Apnea Secondary Conditions, List of 40+ Possible Sleep Apnea Secondary Conditions. Click the button below to start for FREE. 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. 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. VA Secondary Conditions to Sleep Apnea The major problem for your sleep apnea VA claim, however, is that you probably were NOT diagnosed with sleep apnea on active duty. With asthma, the airways narrow and produce extra mucus. 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. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. Sleep Apnea a medical nexus or link that shows the veterans sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. 2019 She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. 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. 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. It is intended that the DBQs will be completed by the Veteran's health care provider. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. 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. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. As blood backs up into the blood vessels, the body starts to retain fluid in the abdomen and lower body. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment What happens during a C&P exam for sleep apnea? Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Sleep Apnea as a Secondary VA Claim Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. 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). 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. It can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. To have a diagnosis for a secondary condition to sleep apnea; and. 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. 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. A showing of causation requires that the Is Hypertension Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease? The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. 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. Approximately 34% and 17% of middle-aged men and women, respectively, meet the diagnostic criteria for OSA. 1-2017, at 2-7 (Jan. 6, hypertension and sleep apnea on a secondary basis. If a veteran is service-connected for anxiety or depression, they may be able to receive secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea in Cardiovascular Patients Most often, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such ashearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. 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]. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Its important to have your condition documented by a medical professional. Contact Us 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. Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. 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. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. All Rights Reserved. Sinusitis is a condition where a persons sinuses become swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Bad Secret Change to VA Sleep Apnea One of the main risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity, which other conditions like ischemic heart disease can also cause. Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder, whereby breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure, which is greater than the surrounding air, through a mask while the veteran is sleeping. 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. Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. 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? Some experts believe that hypertension may contribute to ischemic heart disease, but the exact relationship between the two conditions is unclear. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your Sleep Apnea condition is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. All Rights Reserved. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 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. This could be because both asthma and sleep apnea affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts. There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. Sleep Apnea It can happen multiple times throughout the night, leading to serious health problems like fatigue, high blood pressure, and heart disease. While arrhythmias can be serious, most people with the condition can manage their symptoms and live long, healthy lives. Sleep Apnea 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. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. If so, how often and how long are your naps? 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! 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. Check out our post on sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD here! In some cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be recommended to help prevent sudden cardiac death. 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. The chemical has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and ischemic heart disease. Several conditions can occur as a result of ischemic heart disease. Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Coronary Artery 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. Specifically, both anxiety and depression can be linked to sleep apnea. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". In addition, sleep apnea can lead to oxidative stress, which is a type of damage to cells that can contribute to heart disease. The third part can be satisfied with aMedical Nexus Letter, aka, Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)from a qualified medical professional. These secondary conditions can significantly impact a patients quality of life and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP), Medical Nexus Letter, aka, Independent Medical Opinion (IMO). Several studies have shown an increased risk of ischemic heart disease among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. While some individuals with breathing disorders may show improvement from lifestyle changes, breathing assistance devices such as CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), BiPap machines, etc. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! You may also be asked to fill out what is called a Disability Benefits Questionnaire or a DBQ. Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Va A current diagnosis of sleep apnea, as confirmed by a sleep study; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. Another type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to, or the result of, a service-connected disability. What made the difference was that the veteran inVA sleep apnea claim #1 lacked ANY lay evidence of sleep apnea symptomatology from service to diagnosis. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Nexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. As such, the two conditions have been linked and veterans can receive secondary service connection for sinusitis linked to sleep apnea. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. So if this proposed change for sleep apnea ratings goes through, its possible that veterans may start getting lowballed ratings. A Secondary Analysis of the RICCADSA Trial. Although heart failure can be filed secondary to IHD, the VA wont assign separate ratings. 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. Is it difficult to stay awake performing tasks like driving, reading or watching TV? Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 a showing of causation. Symptoms of asthma can include: Research has indicated that people who have asthma are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Loud Snoring. Being honest and thorough is important so everything can be properly documented. 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. Additionally, GERD may contribute to sleep apnea, as acid in the esophagus can cause spasms in the vocal cords which may prompt sleep apnea. Veterans may also receive secondary service connection for anxiety and depression if they are already service-connected for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is sleep disorder that affects a persons breathing during the course of the night. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend the section of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule) that addresses the cardiovascular system. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. denied? 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.

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