Dude! I was stuck at 20% for 8 years and finally got awarded 60% disability 2 months ago thanks to your video on back pain. Your video helped me understand the rating system and how to explain my back pain in terms the VA would understand. Thank you so much! 🙏
Funny, I filed for OSA secondary to three-level disk fusion, provided two Nexus letters (one from my sleep doctor) and eight medical reference studies to include a VA Appeal and was denied. VA said "no medical literature exists showing a correlations between ACDF surgery and OSA." Filed an HLR and the reviewer disagreed with the original decision. Now waiting for the appeal decision. Big decision for me since I'm at 90% rating.
I was so scared to file for Sleep Apnea so I didn’t add it to my claims however when I went in literally yesterday to my C&P Exam, My Examiner literally said “I’m gonna schedule you for a Sleep Study since you’re wife heard you snoring”, I was astonished! I cannot wait for the results and the home testing next week🙂
I’ve been denied 4 times since I filed in 2007, after combat duty in Iraq that ended in 2006. Filed for OSA secondary to PTSD. Submitted a nexus letter, sleep study reports, mental health articles connecting sleep disorders that state that over 50% of combat vets have OSA or Insomnia. Denied anyway. It always comes down to doctors ignoring mental health issues and blaming your body fat percentage. I am currently waiting to meet with an Appeals Judge after seventeen years of denials by the VBA.
Took a Sleep Study. my REM pAHI was 31.6 - meaning i had 31 events of STOPPED BREATHING during REM which is the most crucial time of sleeping. I'm currently diagnosed with Moderate to Severe OSA. VA gave me a CPAP. Getting a Nexus as a backup and filing my claim in mid-January (after holiday season).OSA secondary to PTSD. I think most Veterans who served in Iraq (OIF II here ) are probably affected as well. fingers crossed
I’ve seen that won, the route that has been working for me is the “hyper-vigilance” argument. PTSD can do odd things to the body through this mechanism, you psych will know all about that
I am diagnosed with sleep apnea and PTSD/Anxiety. I served in Navy during opening strike of OIF ( was on a ship firing tomahawks toward Iraq). I haven't submitted a claim because I don't have any in-service diagnosis or nexus letter. Is being in the the Persian gulf during this initial phase of OIF gonna suffice for combat-PTSD and OSA secondary? Please help
Great video, Jordan! I love the way you brief the VA information. I was granted OSA, secondary to rhinitis in 2012 with the assistance of a beautiful C&P examiner. I asked her do you think OSA is secondary to rhinitis. She said, "Do you have a copy of your sleep study." Yes, I also gave her a copy of my diagnosis for rhinitis from my service treatment and private records. The examiner said, "You came prepared and you must be Air Force and you have the important texts highlighted. You made my job easy." She wrote my nexus statement and rationale and used two Internet medical documents for her rationale. God is always good!
Excellent video. Very thorough. Confirmed that my claim I’ll file in a few weeks is 100% on target with all the necessities to be rated. Your program has been key to teaching me the way to correctly file a claim and win.
Bi lateral Neuropathy in feet, Bi lateral Plantar fasciitis, Bi Lateral ankles , Bi lateral Knees, Shoulder tear, Groin Tear, Anxiety Depression, Chronic pain, I am treated for Obesity and DERD,, Denied just because i mentioned i had complaints of snoring on active duty but no diagnosis on active duty not was seen for it on active duty but i filed as secondary,
I was denied for sleep apnea the first time. Asked for a higher level review and submitted a buddy letter and linked to service connected disability of a knee injury and weight gain from not being able to exercise, It was denied again. The rater said that I could have eaten less calories.
That’s the human factor Doug, sometimes you land an examiner who is having a bad day, or a rater who left their “approve” stamp at home for the day. I think you executed well, I’d give it another shot and play the long game
I'm right there with you...I was denied OSA (even with ALL necessary evidence and diagnosis) because it basically came down to the reviewer's opinion...Let me say that again, the denial of my claim wasn't due to insufficient or lack of evidence, it was because the reviewer opined that there is no link between chronic rhinosinusitis and OSA ... My point is that it really does depend on the human factor, what reviewer you get, and how they are feeling that day
Thanks for the motivation Jordan, I was disappointed with a low rating 0% service connection for both Sinusitis and allergic Rhinitis. However, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a year ago. I will file for this today because of the secondary effect. Thanks!
Told I have severe sleep apnea and they blame it on my weight. I also have PTSD. I have an attorney. He has been at this for several months and I have been denied at least once.
I am sharing this with you because if you stick with your claims over the years and listen to what VA Claims tell you, you will get what you want. I await the sleep apne approval from the High-Level Review Board of Appeal. I started around 2016 and kept getting denial after denial. In 2020, things started happening with me with a bit of assistance. Everyone will not go this route. I have all the conditions mentioned in the video. So, everything works differently for specific individuals. Keep up the great work you are doing with our vets.. My individual ratings are fourteen (14) Service-connected ratings 1. 100% rating for posttraumatic stress disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Effective date: May 22, 2023 2. 10% rating for right knee degenerative arthritis Effective date: April 17, 2022 3. 10% rating for right ankle tendinosis Effective date: April 17, 2022 4. 20% rating for right shoulder glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis Effective date: April 17, 2022 5. 10% rating for left knee degenerative arthritis. Effective date: April 17, 2022 6. 10% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy Effective date: April 13, 2022 7. 10% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy Effective date: April 13, 2022 8. 40% rating for thoracic scoliosis Effective date: April 13, 2022 9. 0% rating for allergic rhinitis Effective date: April 13, 2022 10. 10% rating for tinnitus Effective date: October 08, 2021 11. 30% rating for sinusitis Effective date: October 08, 2021 12. 30% rating for asthma with chronic cough. Effective date: October 08, 2021 13. 50% rating for migraine Effective date: August 31, 2020 14. 10% rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Effective date: May 15, 2020
Thanks! And yeah physical injuries like that have surprisingly low ratings. Look out for any downstream issues that may develop over time as a result of that chronic lower leg issue
@ appreciate that. Trust me I’ve been complaining about my knees and ankles hurting as a result and my shins always hurt. Literally. I guess I need to see a psychiatrist. I mentioned it during my exam but nobody seemed to care.
@tre9deuce734 Basically, it talked about how, as my bunkmate in basic training, I didn't have any issues sleeping, but by the time we became room mates in A school I would stop breathing at night.
I have done tons of research and this video is just a culmination of everything I learned earlier this year. I love how you break it down all of us, keep up the great video content for all of us Jordan!
I don’t have my rating back yet but I looked at all my DBQs and compared it to how they rate everything. Should be 100% first time. With a modest outlook.
I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and in the sleep study, I stopped breathing during an 8 hour period, 100 times and was prescribed the CPAP, I’ve had surgery and no longer required the cpap.
Been fighting VA on this for several years now. Keep getting denied. Service connected for lower back. Prescribed muscle relaxers for lower back. I have diagnosis for OSA and have been prescribed a CPAP. Have already submitted Appeals Court case won by a veteran for this exact situation and scientific evidence showing the tie between muscle relaxers and OSA. VA acknowledges the OSA diagnosis but doesn't seem be looking at this as a secondary which is what it was submitted as. Will continue to fight this one.
Okay when I was on the military I had a PA tell me to lose weight and tore up my request to see a doctor for fatigue. of I had never heard of sleep apnea or knew what it was. It was not until I got out the military that a doctor had me do a sleep study. This was in the early 90s, retired in 91. It was not until I fell asleep at a streetlight ans wake up to a green light and all the traffic behind me had gone around. I was told at that sleep study that my case was so severe that normally they would send the police for me as they feared I might fall asleep and have an accident. I was given a C-PAP machine and sent home. Since than I have had many sleep studies and machine changes. One case in point is that I was having hip surgery in the military when the roommate I had mentioned how loud I snored, Before being in this semi-private room, I was in a general pop right after the surgery and was never mentioned or recommended by the medical staff of an issue.. I submitted a request to the VA for sleep apnea along with the support letter, just to be told the letter could not be aloud because it was from a buddy. The sad thing is I had memory lapse a didn't get back to him later just to be told a I was just using him and he hasn't talk to me since., and I still. I am at loss due to who would know about my snoring if it wasn't someone who be around when I was sleeping. I have an ex-wife and host of nephews and nieces, a sister-in-law who could attest to my issues as I have visited them many times while in the military. The crazy thing is the VA has reissued me many new updated machines and once mentioned my test. I was a shift worker pretty much my whole career, some station with crews so small that after working a regular day shift, we would be on call and always have to respond, just to return to work the next day.
Idk if this helps but, I am currently awaiting my claim for OSA secondary to hypertension. I found a medical study online one day linking OSA to hypertension in favorable numbers. I also mentioned it at the c&p exam. I'm surprised he didn't mention this one in the video, but hopefully I win that claim. I will come back and let you know how it turn out. But go research that if you choose.
I also found medical studies linking OSA, secondary to hypertension, but I could not find any Board of Veterans Appeals' (BVA) citations linking these conditions. One of the BVA citations stated, "The examiner added that hypertension does not cause sleep apnea, but sleep apnea could cause hypertension. He concluded by stating that he did not feel that hypertension caused sleep apnea, but he was unable to say with certainty whether or not the Veteran had sleep apnea in the military. Resolving any benefit of the doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's sleep apnea. 38 U.S.C.A. § 5107(b)." The veteran won in case. In November 2004, the Regional Office denied the case and he won it in April 2014 at the BVA. www.va.gov/vetapp13/Files2/1313714.txt
Im just beginning this process after being out since 2009. My wife would tell me about how i would stop breathing and begin turning colors while home on leave (2008). I also remember crashing in energy toward end of deployment. Didn't find out until a couple years later my thyroid stopped working, but have civilian doctor records shows bad anxiety and depression and treatment with drugs up to that point. My problem is what 27 yo is going to think of having thyroid tested? Long story short, none of it is in my service record. I feel almost hopeless in this. Just finished first round of cnp's and waiting. However, i did have a shoulder surgery in service I'm also claiming.
Can you make a video specifically for active duty personnel getting out soon and answers questions like "do we also need a personal statement?" "Do you need to be diagnosed with all of our conditions prior to being seeing by our VA examiner?" "Would off base medical documentation help our VA claims" do we need to worry about service connection as active duty?" And even "do we need secondary claims? etc. It would be greatly appreciated 🙏🙏
@vaclaimsacademy I appreciate it! But there are still a number of questions that weren't answered in the video. Hope you upload a new, more in-depth version at some point 🫡
I did an osa claim secondary to service connected depression with obesity as an intermediary. I provided a nexus letter from my physician and scientific studies linking obesity and OSA. I also included scientific studies showing causal link between depression and obesity. I also included VA's self assessment that includes changes in body weight and eating/exercise changes. I was denied due to the examiner stating that Depression doesn't cause obesity, only being lazy does. I did a higher level review citing these issues the examiner brought up and was still denied on the higher level review.
You did everything right Ryan. You encountered the human element, a variable you have no influence on. I would attempt to procure a piece of evidence that would be considered “new & relevant” (another nexus letter?) and do a supplemental claim so you can roll the dice on another C&P examiner
@@TexasMade903Did you use a nexus? A buddy of mine tried to connect OSA to his SC sinus (very heavy sinus), has been deployed to Iraq 2wice and got denied. I noticed his nexus wasn’t part of the evidence list, so I told him to go HLR.
How about sleep apnea secondary to a hiatal hernia which causes Gerd. In addition to having broken, my left pinky toe, which caused my foot to hurt caused me to walk improper, which caused knee problems and has made it hard to exercise. I was already denied for sleep apnea and for post traumatic arthritis and instability in my left knee and right knee. Correction I only filed for posttraumatic arthritis in the right knee and instability of the left knee. But I link that to the pain that I have from arthritis from the broken toe that happened when I was on active duty and I have a 10% rating for it and I have a 10% rating for the hiatal hernia.
I've been prescribed a C-PAP, and used it; however, I stopped due to issues keeping it on throughout the sleep period. I've since received an oral appliance, which is much better. I also have GERD. Neither, at this time, it's considered SC.
I have obstructive sleep apnea after being fused c4-7. They go by neck circumference for the sleep apnea, not necessarily overweight. My neck was not too big and it is from my fusion. Most of my claims are from my wrist I messed up, they made us do a fall to the ground push-up. I tore my tfc in my right dominant hand, an old c2 fracture, black out and couldn’t hear for a minute and up my eyes both hemorrhaged. I have been out since 1990 and just now did a claim for tbi with two strong nexus letters and I had to go to a c&p!
Gosh falling push-ups, whose bright idea was that? It’s a good sign you got a C&P, means they find your claim compelling enough to warrant spending $$$ on one
@ I heard TBIs were hard to claim? So it’s good I went to the c&p? It was pretty intimidating! I am 90% and it is from my tfc tear, S1 joint, and migraines. I was just trying to come up with claims for that dumb push up! It really has affected my whole life! I did one for my eyes hemorrhaging and it was denied because they say hemorrhage heals, but I have had residuals from the injury the rest of my life and my low vision dr swore I had a tbi.
Problem is they won't connect you for apnea or gerd, I have had nexus letters, medical exams etc and they deny me everytime despite overwhelming evidence
Another great video and good on you for making special note about the importance of wearing the machine. My cousin died in her sleep because she didn't wear the machine regularly. It was devastating to my auntie. The question I have is, does being overweight weight play a big part? I noticed lately that I have suddenly started a deep snoring that wakes me up? I take meds for GERD and colon spasms.
Obstructive sleep apnea One of the factors that increase the risk of this form of sleep apnea include: Excess weight. Obesity greatly increases the risk of OSA. Fat deposits around your upper airway can obstruct your breathing. Source: Mayo Clinic
Dang sorry to hear about your cousin, it makes sense why they call it “the silent killer”. We touch on the obesity connection in the video and absolutely there is a GERD connection there too
Can you claim OSA secondary to multiple service connected disabilities? Like OSA secondary to: rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum, asthma and obesity? Or do you have to pinpoint one of service connected disability?
Great question. The answer is yes you technically could, but I don’t recommend it. The reason being, you would be sacrificing future flexibility should your claim hit a brick wall and you needed to pivot. Example: you claim OSA due to Rhinitus, denied. HLR, also denied. Well now perhaps you can go OSA due to Deviated Septum and it gets through. Don’t show your whole hand to the VA, unless your doctor insists it’s due to all of them on your nexus letter ♟️
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea 38 events per minute… I’m 70% SC for mental health and 0% for Allergic Rhinitis… Also had surgery on both knees and right ankle which all are service connected… I submitted a claim for OSA secondary to mental health with a buddy statement from my ex wife while we was both in service… Any chance I get connected w/out Nexus? I served in OIF III and OIF 07-09 (15 month tour) then Afghanistan for 4 months before draw down… Buddy statement included incidents of burning human feces as well as being ordered to climb in burn pit to retrieve used oil and fuel cans
The chances at winning that without a nexus letter are significantly lower then if you did have one, but it’s still winnable. I would mentally prepare to take another crack at it once you receive this decision letter. Perhaps secondary to the 0% AR
I am 50. My sleep test reported 81 times an hour that I stopped sleeping. Cap machine didn't work. I now have a implant in my chest to keep me breathing. The va diagnosed my sleep apnea and put the device in my chest and still refuses to grant the disability. I have copd/ severe asthma with 26% lung function. The va only granted me 30% for my lungs even though the ratings should be 100%. I may die before they grant ratings.
That’s an extreme case Dan, I’m real sorry to hear you’re going through that.. It seems like the VA doesn’t believe your sleep apnea is service connected for some reason, but potentially an increase in the lung issue and/or a mental claim secondary to all of this may be in order as well
I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea last year, but I haven't taken any steps to claim it. Over the last year my sleep has gotten worse. What steps do I need to take to file this as a secondary claim and how much evidence do I need. I'm already service connected for lumbar spine and cervical strain.
I would get in touch with your sleep doctor and have a conversation on what they think could be causing your OSA. For example if you are now overweight, the doc may be willing to sign a nexus letter template for you talking about how your back lead to the weight gain, which lead to the sleep apnea. Check out freenexusletters.com for the best free nexus letter template, which is the best way to boost odds at getting service connected without having to she’ll out cash
Took a sleep study, I stopped breathing numerous times. But wasn’t diagnosed with sleep apnea. I scored a 2.8 you have to score a 5 or higher to be diagnosed.
My ratings was over 14 during sleep study. Even have a machine. Have a few of the conditions he mentioned. Denied. I don't get it. Feels like OSA would be a slam dunk. Denied.
I’m rated for tinnitus, migraines and insomnia. During the process I took a sleep study and they diagnosed me with mild sleep apnea and recommend I use a cpap. I was denied sleep apnea. Any recommendations on how to get rated?
I was denied a few months ago for OSA secondary to PTSD (50% rated) by the VA saying in their letter I was denied because they say I'm "obese" at 6'0 140
I'm ex-Navy submarines, 1990 - 2000, had severe sleep apnea while serving. However, I didn't know I had it until sleep study (post active duty). I do have a severe case (sleep study stated >100 episodes/hour). I have worn a CPAP to bed EVERY night since getting it in ~2009. I also have a deviated septum (had surgery ~2009... but it did not correct). I have a twin brother who stayed in for 30 yrs USN, he too developed sleep apnea... he has been rated for 80 - 90% disability. Here's the million-dollar question... I cannot locate my medical / dental records. Is this a deal breaker??? Asking for a friend.... ME! Thank you and I appreciate your expertise. Jason
Have had severe sleep apnea diagnosis for 9 years now. Where a cpap every night. Had my deviated septum fixed 8 years ago to help bring my apnea number down. Im in the burn pit registry. My last go around with claims. All i got was 10% for my tinnitus. Nothing for my apnea. Very frustrating.
Just curious if there was any way to get access to what innoculations we were given in service? Service members have been used as guinea pigs for a long time. I remember getting way more shots than what were on their check sheets. I have a feeling that many more service connections could be made if we were made aware of what was put in our bodies and the possible side effects from those.
I previously filed for sleep disturbances, but didn't have a diagnosis. I have recently had a sleep study done and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Can I refile for sleep apnea now?
Ah sorry to hear that, denials are definitely part of the process. If your HLR comes back denied, it likely means the C&P examiner countered your nexus opinion by disagreeing with it. At that point the fix is a supplemental claim since it gets you a new C&P exam
I have a sleep study diagnosed OSA and have been rated 50% since I retired in Jan of 2006. Last year the Pulmonary Department said I no longer need to come in as my CPAP is controlling my sleep apnea. I have a 0% rating for Acid Reflux. Also I have a 30% rating for Sinusitis with Headaches. Am I going to get screwed when they change things?
Background mos Mechanic: Took at Sleep study while Active Duty 2022 (barely slept) diagnoises was trouble falling asleep, snoring and Movement thourghout the night. Test result no sleep apena( not restless leg syndrome). Doctor Noted that if i continue to have symptoms, i should go get care. Fast forward 2 years later, 2nd sleep study, this sleep clinc gave me medication to help me fall asleep. Test result postive for sleep apeana. 13.2/hr prescribe APAP machine. I submitted - Personal and Buddy statement - First Sleep study - 2nd Sleep study - Prescription for my APAP I filed for sleep apena, How likely is it gonna be approved by primary service connected?
If I had to pull a number out of my hat based on experience, I’d say 40% chance at winning it without a nexus letter, and perhaps a 70% chance with one. Either way it should be winnable Zane
I have had 2 sleep studies and both said I have sleep apnea. I was given a C-Pap also and use it. I was given a Service connected disability for asthma. Can i use it for a secondary? Please help. Thanks. U.S.M.C
Currently, I have been diagnosed with SA, have a CPAP prescribed, I am rated for GERD and Rhinitis. I have had a SA C&P EXAM. Should I now upload the two studies and get a Nexus letter to the VA? Where do I make sure they know it's a secondary claim?
I did an intent to file and get a CPAP from VA end of January. If approved after I file in February, what determines whether I get the current 50% rating or new criteria?
First, ensure a sleep study confirms your diagnosis of OSA. Get prescribed your CPAP (as you plan to in Jan.) and pick your route to service connection, either direct (OSA was diagnosed in-service) or secondary to one of your service-connected conditions if you weren't diagnosed in-service and you've been out for awhile. A 50% disability rating is warranted when the disability requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine. KEEP WINNING! 🙌💪✌
Jordan, I’m officially retiring Oct 1, 2025. I will file my BDD claim April 4th. I have OSA with a CPAP machine. I’m concerned about the proposed changes happening right before I file/separate. Do you have an opinion on my chances of getting the 50% rating before the policy changes? Thanks!
Congrats on hitting the button Justin! I’ll say this: if you really want peace of mind, IF you have any reason that you would not be able to consistently utilize your prescribed CPAP (for instance I have a lot of vets who get a bit paranoid that the electricity will shut off and the mask will suffocate them, more common than you would think), then I would get that on record. Or some vets have trauma that makes them claustrophobic, and the mask is a no-go for them as well. If that is you, I would get your doc to make a note of it, and also mention it in your personal statement in your BDD claim. Other than that, you won’t be able to control anything else 👍
Thanks! Additionally, not sure if you know but let’s say they change the policy in September. I file my BDD in April but I’m not officially separated until October. Would the VA accept my claim based on my submission date or would they deny it based on my separation date? Thanks again
I have an OSA diagnosis and am service connected 0% for rhinitis and sinusitis, which one has a higher win rate when claiming OSA as a secondary? Or can I do it with both?
i have diabetes and heart problems from Agent Orange. i also am over weight, potability from diabetes. i just got rated for the diabetes and heart problems (pact act) 70% service connected should i file a claim for sleep apnea that i have had since 2006 the same time i had my haart attack. been on a cpap ever since.
Does a Vet need to have a diagnosis of OSA BEFORE trying to claim the secondary claim, or can the secondary claim be started before having a diagnosis of OSA and it is diagnosed DURING the claim process??? Thank you for the vids!
Thanks Brent. You can do your intent to file before you have a diagnosis, but I wouldn’t rely on getting diagnosed with sleep apnea as part of the VA’s investigation. They probably would just deny you without even scheduling you for any exams
Obesity as an Intermediary Step: The Veteran's inability to exercise due to back-related pain likely contributed to obesity, a significant risk factor for OSA. This connection is supported by numerous studies, including a review in "Obesity Reviews" (2011), which highlighted the link between physical inactivity, obesity, and OSA.
Question sir..So my situation. I think I’m on the right path- I get my nexus letter on the 9th of January. I had filed a few conditions but this main one is sleep apnea. I have it connected secondary to my hips (left and right), insomnia, migraines and back and allergic rhinitis. I had gotten a sleep study done earlier this year and it was severe obstructive sleep apnea and was provided a cpap. But question on that, was I supposed to tell them earlier this year when getting it done that it’s because my secondaries so they can note that? I should be good with my wife’s personal statement and the nexus letter right?
You will have a decent shot at winning with the statement and a nexus letter, yes. As far as those studies, you can save them as a file, then upload them on Va.gov into your claim as “Other correspondence”
partner says i choke in my sleep and there is research pointing towards use of inhalers for asthma causing/worsening OSA. rated for asthma so im thinking this is logically something i can try
Jordan, i'm service connected for PTSD, tinnitus and sinusitis.....previously denied twice for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and migraines...do you think you can still help.....i have been diagnosed a few years ago and prescribed CPAP
NOT MEDICAL ADVICE: Studies in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" (2006) have shown that nasal congestion and inflammation from allergic rhinitis and sinusitis can obstruct airflow, predisposing to OSA. Mouth breathing due to nasal obstruction can also alter craniofacial development, further increasing OSA risk. You can have your doctor use that one and also the study that Jordan provided in the first pinned comment. KEEP WINNING!
👉 Want me to help with your VA claim? Click here: vaclaims-academy.com
✅ FREE Nexus Letters: www.freenexusletters.com
Sleep Apnea Secondary to GERD
Scientific Study: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29987514/
Successful Claim Example: www.va.gov/vetapp19/files7/19158332.txt
Sleep Apnea (OSA) Secondary to Weight Gain
(Obesity as Interim Link)
Scientific Study: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836788/
Successful Claim Example: www.va.gov/vetapp20/files10/20067262.txt
Sleep Apnea (OSA) Secondary to Asthma
Scientific Study: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946549/
Successful Claim Example: www.va.gov/vetapp17/files3/1717887.txt
Sleep Apnea (OSA) Secondary to Deviated Septum
Scientific Study: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6872599/
Successful Claim Example: www.va.gov/vetapp20/files11/a20016733.txt
Sleep Apnea Secondary to Rhinitis
Scientific Study: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25543037/
Successful Claim Example: www.va.gov/vetapp19/files2/a19000064.txt
Sleep Apnea Secondary to Sinusitis
Scientific Study: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25543037/
Successful Claim Example: www.va.gov/vetapp19/files7/19158000.txt
Would love to work with you guys but $3000 upfront just can’t do
😊😊
Dude! I was stuck at 20% for 8 years and finally got awarded 60% disability 2 months ago thanks to your video on back pain. Your video helped me understand the rating system and how to explain my back pain in terms the VA would understand. Thank you so much! 🙏
Ooh, chills. Amazing work! 🫡
Funny, I filed for OSA secondary to three-level disk fusion, provided two Nexus letters (one from my sleep doctor) and eight medical reference studies to include a VA Appeal and was denied. VA said "no medical literature exists showing a correlations between ACDF surgery and OSA." Filed an HLR and the reviewer disagreed with the original decision. Now waiting for the appeal decision. Big decision for me since I'm at 90% rating.
Here to support the channel. Thank you for serving Veterans.
You’re the best Ray!
I was so scared to file for Sleep Apnea so I didn’t add it to my claims however when I went in literally yesterday to my C&P Exam,
My Examiner literally said “I’m gonna schedule you for a Sleep Study since you’re wife heard you snoring”,
I was astonished!
I cannot wait for the results and the home testing next week🙂
I’ve been denied 4 times since I filed in 2007, after combat duty in Iraq that ended in 2006. Filed for OSA secondary to PTSD. Submitted a nexus letter, sleep study reports, mental health articles connecting sleep disorders that state that over 50% of combat vets have OSA or Insomnia. Denied anyway. It always comes down to doctors ignoring mental health issues and blaming your body fat percentage. I am currently waiting to meet with an Appeals Judge after seventeen years of denials by the VBA.
Oh, I have been on CPAP therapy since 2007 when I was diagnosed, and now am on BIPAP therapy in the VA sleep apnea program!
That’s a tough spot to be in, appeals take an eternity, sorry to hear that’s happening to you
I was able to get it service connected under (TERA)
This is so sad my brother. Our corrupt government is more than willing to give illegals all they need but veterans have to beg for crumbs
@@TexasMade903can you elaborate.
Took a Sleep Study. my REM pAHI was 31.6 - meaning i had 31 events of STOPPED BREATHING during REM which is the most crucial time of sleeping. I'm currently diagnosed with Moderate to Severe OSA. VA gave me a CPAP. Getting a Nexus as a backup and filing my claim in mid-January (after holiday season).OSA secondary to PTSD. I think most Veterans who served in Iraq (OIF II here ) are probably affected as well. fingers crossed
I’ve seen that won, the route that has been working for me is the “hyper-vigilance” argument. PTSD can do odd things to the body through this mechanism, you psych will know all about that
@@vaclaimsacademy thanx I will keep that in mind! (adding to Personal statement)
I am diagnosed with sleep apnea and PTSD/Anxiety. I served in Navy during opening strike of OIF ( was on a ship firing tomahawks toward Iraq). I haven't submitted a claim because I don't have any in-service diagnosis or nexus letter. Is being in the the Persian gulf during this initial phase of OIF gonna suffice for combat-PTSD and OSA secondary? Please help
If its not in service..you are not getting approved
Yelp. I was on the Lincoln for shock and awe. Sleep study, diagnosised, c-pap still denied service connection
Great video, Jordan! I love the way you brief the VA information.
I was granted OSA, secondary to rhinitis in 2012 with the assistance of a beautiful C&P examiner. I asked her do you think OSA is secondary to rhinitis. She said, "Do you have a copy of your sleep study." Yes, I also gave her a copy of my diagnosis for rhinitis from my service treatment and private records.
The examiner said, "You came prepared and you must be Air Force and you have the important texts highlighted. You made my job easy." She wrote my nexus statement and rationale and used two Internet medical documents for her rationale. God is always good!
Wow! God is good indeed, way to be prepared to help the examiner, I teach that exact thing in my C&P prep module. And thanks for the kind words
@@vaclaimsacademy
You are welcome!
Thank you Jordan !!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.🎉
I got my sleep apnea connected as secondary to my tinnitus.
Please explain? I just got Tinnitus and only a 10% after 3 years
Congrats! One of the more rare approvals out there, I’ll glad yours got through
How?? My tinnitus is SC. And I have a CPAP. Please help
@@m.e.5171 You can't get no higher percentage than 10% for tinnitus, you gotta focus on secondaries from tinnitus now.
@@jamesrincker3048 I can't even explain how or why the C&P examiner went that route.
Excellent video. Very thorough. Confirmed that my claim I’ll file in a few weeks is 100% on target with all the necessities to be rated. Your program has been key to teaching me the way to correctly file a claim and win.
Cervical protruding and hernia disc blocks your airway also medical literature support causation for OSA also - good video as usual Sir
That’s a great one GTO
Thank you for this, the video was great. 👊🏾
Thanks again man I just put my claim in last week.
Let’s go Manuel! So it begins
Bi lateral Neuropathy in feet, Bi lateral Plantar fasciitis, Bi Lateral ankles , Bi lateral Knees, Shoulder tear, Groin Tear, Anxiety Depression, Chronic pain, I am treated for Obesity and DERD,, Denied just because i mentioned i had complaints of snoring on active duty but no diagnosis on active duty not was seen for it on active duty but i filed as secondary,
Great informative video! It is very much appreciated! God bless you!
God bless you too, thanks
I was denied for sleep apnea the first time. Asked for a higher level review and submitted a buddy letter and linked to service connected disability of a knee injury and weight gain from not being able to exercise, It was denied again. The rater said that I could have eaten less calories.
That’s the human factor Doug, sometimes you land an examiner who is having a bad day, or a rater who left their “approve” stamp at home for the day. I think you executed well, I’d give it another shot and play the long game
Man, that's the route I'm taking right now. Hope I get a better result. Should get word any day now.
I'm right there with you...I was denied OSA (even with ALL necessary evidence and diagnosis) because it basically came down to the reviewer's opinion...Let me say that again, the denial of my claim wasn't due to insufficient or lack of evidence, it was because the reviewer opined that there is no link between chronic rhinosinusitis and OSA ... My point is that it really does depend on the human factor, what reviewer you get, and how they are feeling that day
Thanks for the motivation Jordan, I was disappointed with a low rating 0% service connection for both Sinusitis and allergic Rhinitis. However, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a year ago. I will file for this today because of the secondary effect. Thanks!
The VA Claims Academy has never led my fro astray.
Just let your souuullll glowwwww 🎶
Told I have severe sleep apnea and they blame it on my weight. I also have PTSD. I have an attorney. He has been at this for several months and I have been denied at least once.
Denials are all part of the process, I have seen OSA due to PTSD won quite a few times
The Va has denied my sleep apnea 3 times now. I even got layered up on it.
I’m sorry to hear that Flash, hopefully your next try is the one that puts you over the edge, I know it can seem like a brick wall sometimes
Same here
I am sharing this with you because if you stick with your claims over the years and listen to what VA Claims tell you, you will get what you want. I await the sleep apne approval from the High-Level Review Board of Appeal. I started around 2016 and kept getting denial after denial. In 2020, things started happening with me with a bit of assistance. Everyone will not go this route. I have all the conditions mentioned in the video. So, everything works differently for specific individuals. Keep up the great work you are doing with our vets..
My individual ratings are fourteen (14)
Service-connected ratings
1. 100% rating for posttraumatic stress disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Effective date: May 22, 2023
2. 10% rating for right knee degenerative arthritis Effective date: April 17, 2022
3. 10% rating for right ankle tendinosis Effective date: April 17, 2022
4. 20% rating for right shoulder glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis
Effective date: April 17, 2022
5. 10% rating for left knee degenerative arthritis. Effective date: April 17, 2022
6. 10% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy Effective date: April 13, 2022
7. 10% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy Effective date: April 13, 2022
8. 40% rating for thoracic scoliosis Effective date: April 13, 2022
9. 0% rating for allergic rhinitis Effective date: April 13, 2022
10. 10% rating for tinnitus Effective date: October 08, 2021
11. 30% rating for sinusitis Effective date: October 08, 2021
12. 30% rating for asthma with chronic cough. Effective date: October 08, 2021
13. 50% rating for migraine Effective date: August 31, 2020
14. 10% rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Effective date: May 15, 2020
Best videos out there. I need to figure out how to link my stress fractures. I cant believe they only awarded me 10 percent for them
Thanks! And yeah physical injuries like that have surprisingly low ratings. Look out for any downstream issues that may develop over time as a result of that chronic lower leg issue
@ appreciate that. Trust me I’ve been complaining about my knees and ankles hurting as a result and my shins always hurt. Literally. I guess I need to see a psychiatrist. I mentioned it during my exam but nobody seemed to care.
I used a buddy letter the 2nd time I filed for it, and it worked 16 years after I got out.
Love it! Nicely done
I was declined in December for sleep apnea. What did the buddy statement say?
@tre9deuce734 Basically, it talked about how, as my bunkmate in basic training, I didn't have any issues sleeping, but by the time we became room mates in A school I would stop breathing at night.
Another great informative Vid!!
I appreciate you
I have done tons of research and this video is just a culmination of everything I learned earlier this year. I love how you break it down all of us, keep up the great video content for all of us Jordan!
Means a lot, thank you
Finally good mine SC last month, after 3 years of fighting
Woop woop 🙌 Congrats Huff
I don’t have my rating back yet but I looked at all my DBQs and compared it to how they rate everything.
Should be 100% first time. With a modest outlook.
I am filing a claim with a nexus letter as well, I have both ptsd and rhinitis with a intermediate of weight gain obesity. I hope it works.
Any info on tying it to TMD? (TMJ)
I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and in the sleep study, I stopped breathing during an 8 hour period, 100 times and was prescribed the CPAP, I’ve had surgery and no longer required the cpap.
Great video! 🎉 in your experience Is OSA connected secondary more to Rhinitis/Sinusitis or PTSD?
Been fighting VA on this for several years now. Keep getting denied. Service connected for lower back. Prescribed muscle relaxers for lower back. I have diagnosis for OSA and have been prescribed a CPAP. Have already submitted Appeals Court case won by a veteran for this exact situation and scientific evidence showing the tie between muscle relaxers and OSA. VA acknowledges the OSA diagnosis but doesn't seem be looking at this as a secondary which is what it was submitted as. Will continue to fight this one.
Can sleep apnea be a secondary to diabetes?
Okay when I was on the military I had a PA tell me to lose weight and tore up my request to see a doctor for fatigue. of I had never heard of sleep apnea or knew what it was. It was not until I got out the military that a doctor had me do a sleep study. This was in the early 90s, retired in 91. It was not until I fell asleep at a streetlight ans wake up to a green light and all the traffic behind me had gone around. I was told at that sleep study that my case was so severe that normally they would send the police for me as they feared I might fall asleep and have an accident. I was given a C-PAP machine and sent home. Since than I have had many sleep studies and machine changes. One case in point is that I was having hip surgery in the military when the roommate I had mentioned how loud I snored, Before being in this semi-private room, I was in a general pop right after the surgery and was never mentioned or recommended by the medical staff of an issue.. I submitted a request to the VA for sleep apnea along with the support letter, just to be told the letter could not be aloud because it was from a buddy. The sad thing is I had memory lapse a didn't get back to him later just to be told a I was just using him and he hasn't talk to me since., and I still. I am at loss due to who would know about my snoring if it wasn't someone who be around when I was sleeping. I have an ex-wife and host of nephews and nieces, a sister-in-law who could attest to my issues as I have visited them many times while in the military. The crazy thing is the VA has reissued me many new updated machines and once mentioned my test. I was a shift worker pretty much my whole career, some station with crews so small that after working a regular day shift, we would be on call and always have to respond, just to return to work the next day.
Sounds like a nexus letter would be your high-leverage asset here
Idk if this helps but, I am currently awaiting my claim for OSA secondary to hypertension. I found a medical study online one day linking OSA to hypertension in favorable numbers. I also mentioned it at the c&p exam. I'm surprised he didn't mention this one in the video, but hopefully I win that claim. I will come back and let you know how it turn out. But go research that if you choose.
I also found medical studies linking OSA, secondary to hypertension, but I could not find any Board of Veterans Appeals' (BVA) citations linking these conditions.
One of the BVA citations stated, "The examiner added that hypertension does not cause sleep apnea, but sleep apnea could cause hypertension. He concluded by stating that he did not feel that hypertension caused sleep apnea, but he was unable to say with certainty whether or not the Veteran had sleep apnea in the military.
Resolving any benefit of the doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's sleep apnea. 38 U.S.C.A. § 5107(b)."
The veteran won in case. In November 2004, the Regional Office denied the case and he won it in April 2014 at the BVA.
www.va.gov/vetapp13/Files2/1313714.txt
That’s a great point LG thank you!
Im just beginning this process after being out since 2009. My wife would tell me about how i would stop breathing and begin turning colors while home on leave (2008). I also remember crashing in energy toward end of deployment. Didn't find out until a couple years later my thyroid stopped working, but have civilian doctor records shows bad anxiety and depression and treatment with drugs up to that point. My problem is what 27 yo is going to think of having thyroid tested? Long story short, none of it is in my service record. I feel almost hopeless in this. Just finished first round of cnp's and waiting. However, i did have a shoulder surgery in service I'm also claiming.
What about CFS?
Can you make a video specifically for active duty personnel getting out soon and answers questions like "do we also need a personal statement?" "Do you need to be diagnosed with all of our conditions prior to being seeing by our VA examiner?" "Would off base medical documentation help our VA claims" do we need to worry about service connection as active duty?" And even "do we need secondary claims? etc. It would be greatly appreciated 🙏🙏
Set for LIFE! What Veterans Wish They Knew Before Transitioning From Military…
th-cam.com/video/2nAzbonKrd8/w-d-xo.html
@vaclaimsacademy I appreciate it! But there are still a number of questions that weren't answered in the video. Hope you upload a new, more in-depth version at some point 🫡
I did an osa claim secondary to service connected depression with obesity as an intermediary. I provided a nexus letter from my physician and scientific studies linking obesity and OSA. I also included scientific studies showing causal link between depression and obesity. I also included VA's self assessment that includes changes in body weight and eating/exercise changes. I was denied due to the examiner stating that Depression doesn't cause obesity, only being lazy does. I did a higher level review citing these issues the examiner brought up and was still denied on the higher level review.
You did everything right Ryan. You encountered the human element, a variable you have no influence on. I would attempt to procure a piece of evidence that would be considered “new & relevant” (another nexus letter?) and do a supplemental claim so you can roll the dice on another C&P examiner
Why didn't your nexus letter physician fill out the OSA DBQ.
I was diagnosed by VA with sleep apnea, tried to claim it and was told not service connected. But, I have 70% rating for PTSD
I was able to get it service connected under (TERA), I tried numerous times to get it secondary to PTSD.
@@TexasMade903Did you use a nexus? A buddy of mine tried to connect OSA to his SC sinus (very heavy sinus), has been deployed to Iraq 2wice and got denied. I noticed his nexus wasn’t part of the evidence list, so I told him to go HLR.
@@TexasMade903how did you file it
@@TexasMade903I claimed it as a secondary to ptsd using weight gain as a intermediate
@@xassiel Good luck! I tried that route numerous times. Try due to TERA. That's how I got it. Use chatgpt to write you up a good statement of support.
I was denied had buddy statement I have sleep apnea an a machine also was sent to the med hall for falling asleep standing I have severe
Thanks man!
You got it David!
Amen i go for a c&p exam Jan 7 for OSA -
Let’s go GTO!! Nobody is more prepared than you my friend, I hope you’re hanging in there pretty well
Yes Sir ! @@vaclaimsacademy
Awesome Video 💯💯💯
thanks Bill! Always great to see you, hope you’re doing well
@vaclaimsacademy Doing good handsome young man 💯💯💯💯💯
Good for you give up.Big Roy😅
@@vaclaimsacademy Excellent 👍
@@roybowen-fe3sg not a chance
I was diagnosed with lung cancer during service and got 60% and was just diagnosed with OSA could I file a secondary with the lung cancer as the CC?
How about sleep apnea secondary to a hiatal hernia which causes Gerd. In addition to having broken, my left pinky toe, which caused my foot to hurt caused me to walk improper, which caused knee problems and has made it hard to exercise. I was already denied for sleep apnea and for post traumatic arthritis and instability in my left knee and right knee. Correction I only filed for posttraumatic arthritis in the right knee and instability of the left knee. But I link that to the pain that I have from arthritis from the broken toe that happened when I was on active duty and I have a 10% rating for it and I have a 10% rating for the hiatal hernia.
I've been prescribed a C-PAP, and used it; however, I stopped due to issues keeping it on throughout the sleep period. I've since received an oral appliance, which is much better.
I also have GERD. Neither, at this time, it's considered SC.
I have obstructive sleep apnea after being fused c4-7. They go by neck circumference for the sleep apnea, not necessarily overweight. My neck was not too big and it is from my fusion. Most of my claims are from my wrist I messed up, they made us do a fall to the ground push-up. I tore my tfc in my right dominant hand, an old c2 fracture, black out and couldn’t hear for a minute and up my eyes both hemorrhaged. I have been out since 1990 and just now did a claim for tbi with two strong nexus letters and I had to go to a c&p!
Gosh falling push-ups, whose bright idea was that? It’s a good sign you got a C&P, means they find your claim compelling enough to warrant spending $$$ on one
@ I heard TBIs were hard to claim? So it’s good I went to the c&p? It was pretty intimidating! I am 90% and it is from my tfc tear, S1 joint, and migraines. I was just trying to come up with claims for that dumb push up! It really has affected my whole life! I did one for my eyes hemorrhaging and it was denied because they say hemorrhage heals, but I have had residuals from the injury the rest of my life and my low vision dr swore I had a tbi.
Hell, i was SERVICE DIAGNOSED as OBESE while still in the Navy at my last command. Still wasnt enough.
Problem is they won't connect you for apnea or gerd, I have had nexus letters, medical exams etc and they deny me everytime despite overwhelming evidence
I was diagnosed AND given a cpap. But was still denied
Denied repeatedly even with DBQ from VA doctor, testing and diagnosis, and doing HLR.
I have been denied 3 times even though I had a nexus letter that included it as well as other conditions secondary to my ptsd
THE VA DIAGNOSED ME WITH SEVERE SLEEP APNEA, CAN I FILE A CLAIM?, OIF2 VET
What about secondary to TBI?
Another great video and good on you for making special note about the importance of wearing the machine. My cousin died in her sleep because she didn't wear the machine regularly. It was devastating to my auntie.
The question I have is, does being overweight weight play a big part?
I noticed lately that I have suddenly started a deep snoring that wakes me up? I take meds for GERD and colon spasms.
I failed to mention that I am not overweight. I'm in pretty good shape weight wise
Obstructive sleep apnea
One of the factors that increase the risk of this form of sleep apnea include:
Excess weight. Obesity greatly increases the risk of OSA. Fat deposits around your upper airway can obstruct your breathing.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Dang sorry to hear about your cousin, it makes sense why they call it “the silent killer”. We touch on the obesity connection in the video and absolutely there is a GERD connection there too
Can you claim OSA secondary to multiple service connected disabilities? Like OSA secondary to: rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum, asthma and obesity? Or do you have to pinpoint one of service connected disability?
I'm curious too
Great question. The answer is yes you technically could, but I don’t recommend it. The reason being, you would be sacrificing future flexibility should your claim hit a brick wall and you needed to pivot.
Example: you claim OSA due to Rhinitus, denied. HLR, also denied.
Well now perhaps you can go OSA due to Deviated Septum and it gets through.
Don’t show your whole hand to the VA, unless your doctor insists it’s due to all of them on your nexus letter ♟️
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea 38 events per minute… I’m 70% SC for mental health and 0% for Allergic Rhinitis… Also had surgery on both knees and right ankle which all are service connected… I submitted a claim for OSA secondary to mental health with a buddy statement from my ex wife while we was both in service… Any chance I get connected w/out Nexus? I served in OIF III and OIF 07-09 (15 month tour) then Afghanistan for 4 months before draw down… Buddy statement included incidents of burning human feces as well as being ordered to climb in burn pit to retrieve used oil and fuel cans
The chances at winning that without a nexus letter are significantly lower then if you did have one, but it’s still winnable. I would mentally prepare to take another crack at it once you receive this decision letter. Perhaps secondary to the 0% AR
@ thanks for your thoughts… 💭
Do you have any study info and help with getting OSA rating secondary to Diabetes type 2?
I am 50. My sleep test reported 81 times an hour that I stopped sleeping. Cap machine didn't work. I now have a implant in my chest to keep me breathing. The va diagnosed my sleep apnea and put the device in my chest and still refuses to grant the disability. I have copd/ severe asthma with 26% lung function. The va only granted me 30% for my lungs even though the ratings should be 100%. I may die before they grant ratings.
Welcome to the VA buddy
That’s an extreme case Dan, I’m real sorry to hear you’re going through that.. It seems like the VA doesn’t believe your sleep apnea is service connected for some reason, but potentially an increase in the lung issue and/or a mental claim secondary to all of this may be in order as well
What is your nexus?
Submit OSA seconds to rhinitis. OSA was changed to primary and got denied.
How do we get an asthma claim? How can I prove that my eosinophilic asthma started in the military?
Without a diagnosis in service? Best case would be a nexus letter form a respiratory specialist and a solid personal statement
I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea last year, but I haven't taken any steps to claim it. Over the last year my sleep has gotten worse. What steps do I need to take to file this as a secondary claim and how much evidence do I need. I'm already service connected for lumbar spine and cervical strain.
I would get in touch with your sleep doctor and have a conversation on what they think could be causing your OSA. For example if you are now overweight, the doc may be willing to sign a nexus letter template for you talking about how your back lead to the weight gain, which lead to the sleep apnea.
Check out freenexusletters.com for the best free nexus letter template, which is the best way to boost odds at getting service connected without having to she’ll out cash
Took a sleep study, I stopped breathing numerous times. But wasn’t diagnosed with sleep apnea. I scored a 2.8 you have to score a 5 or higher to be diagnosed.
Ok well you don't have sleep apnea, Sir. I had a score of 93. But my life is on the line every night be thankful that you don't have it.
I had 13 events per hour without the CPAP in 2010 and 1.06 per event per hour for the last 12 months using a CPAP.
My ratings was over 14 during sleep study. Even have a machine. Have a few of the conditions he mentioned. Denied. I don't get it. Feels like OSA would be a slam dunk. Denied.
@@IAMVICTORIUS77778 for me. The first night with the CPAP was the first restful night I had since basic training.
what about vertigo
I’m rated for tinnitus, migraines and insomnia. During the process I took a sleep study and they diagnosed me with mild sleep apnea and recommend I use a cpap. I was denied sleep apnea. Any recommendations on how to get rated?
I was denied a few months ago for OSA secondary to PTSD (50% rated) by the VA saying in their letter I was denied because they say I'm "obese" at 6'0 140
Make sure they weren’t going by kilos instead of Lbs , most medical scales use kilos which would have put your weight at or over 300 LBs
@@johnnichols9940 Thanks for the reply. I put 140lbs, in error, on my original message. I am 6'0 240lbs. But I am still apparently "obese".
i just got my machine and they have wireless monitoring and can pull reports from it.
Can my VA doctor sign a nexus letter? I have SC PTSD and diagnosed sleep apnea with the machine prescribed by the VA.
I'm ex-Navy submarines, 1990 - 2000, had severe sleep apnea while serving. However, I didn't know I had it until sleep study (post active duty). I do have a severe case (sleep study stated >100 episodes/hour). I have worn a CPAP to bed EVERY night since getting it in ~2009. I also have a deviated septum (had surgery ~2009... but it did not correct). I have a twin brother who stayed in for 30 yrs USN, he too developed sleep apnea... he has been rated for 80 - 90% disability.
Here's the million-dollar question... I cannot locate my medical / dental records. Is this a deal breaker??? Asking for a friend.... ME!
Thank you and I appreciate your expertise.
Jason
Have had severe sleep apnea diagnosis for 9 years now. Where a cpap every night. Had my deviated septum fixed 8 years ago to help bring my apnea number down. Im in the burn pit registry. My last go around with claims. All i got was 10% for my tinnitus. Nothing for my apnea. Very frustrating.
Denials on the fist go around almost always happen, no worries. When you feel up to it, I’d grab a nexus letter and give her another go
Just curious if there was any way to get access to what innoculations we were given in service? Service members have been used as guinea pigs for a long time. I remember getting way more shots than what were on their check sheets. I have a feeling that many more service connections could be made if we were made aware of what was put in our bodies and the possible side effects from those.
Nah man. They sure don’t
That would or should be in your medical records if you have them...
I previously filed for sleep disturbances, but didn't have a diagnosis. I have recently had a sleep study done and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Can I refile for sleep apnea now?
Mine was denied with strong nexus, etc.. currently awaiting HLR.. Fingers crossed
Ah sorry to hear that, denials are definitely part of the process. If your HLR comes back denied, it likely means the C&P examiner countered your nexus opinion by disagreeing with it. At that point the fix is a supplemental claim since it gets you a new C&P exam
I had buddy statements still was denied
This is frustrating. I had a test done, was confirmed, but somehow not services connected?
I have a sleep study diagnosed OSA and have been rated 50% since I retired in Jan of 2006. Last year the Pulmonary Department said I no longer need to come in as my CPAP is controlling my sleep apnea. I have a 0% rating for Acid Reflux. Also I have a 30% rating for Sinusitis with Headaches. Am I going to get screwed when they change things?
What if I got a sleep study and got diagnosed with Sleep apnea, got a CPAP and a nexus saying the terms “least likely as not” should I worry ?
Background mos Mechanic: Took at Sleep study while Active Duty 2022 (barely slept) diagnoises was trouble falling asleep, snoring and Movement thourghout the night. Test result no sleep apena( not restless leg syndrome). Doctor Noted that if i continue to have symptoms, i should go get care.
Fast forward 2 years later, 2nd sleep study, this sleep clinc gave me medication to help me fall asleep. Test result postive for sleep apeana. 13.2/hr prescribe APAP machine.
I submitted
- Personal and Buddy statement
- First Sleep study
- 2nd Sleep study
- Prescription for my APAP
I filed for sleep apena, How likely is it gonna be approved by primary service connected?
If I had to pull a number out of my hat based on experience, I’d say 40% chance at winning it without a nexus letter, and perhaps a 70% chance with one. Either way it should be winnable Zane
I have had 2 sleep studies and both said I have sleep apnea. I was given a C-Pap also and use it. I was given a Service connected disability for asthma. Can i use it for a secondary? Please help. Thanks. U.S.M.C
Yes sir, if your doctor agrees then it’s a good route to go
@@vaclaimsacademy I go to see mt Doctor tomorrow
Currently, I have been diagnosed with SA, have a CPAP prescribed, I am rated for GERD and Rhinitis. I have had a SA C&P EXAM. Should I now upload the two studies and get a Nexus letter to the VA? Where do I make sure they know it's a secondary claim?
Jordan, if you had to rank OSA due to GERD vs OSA due to intermediary obesity, what would be the stronger case?
Gerd! Less moving parts is almost always more reliable, just like engineering
I did an intent to file and get a CPAP from VA end of January. If approved after I file in February, what determines whether I get the current 50% rating or new criteria?
Technically you’re supposed to get whichever option gives you the higher rating. But the VA doesn’t really follow VA rules
First, ensure a sleep study confirms your diagnosis of OSA. Get prescribed your CPAP (as you plan to in Jan.) and pick your route to service connection, either direct (OSA was diagnosed in-service) or secondary to one of your service-connected conditions if you weren't diagnosed in-service and you've been out for awhile. A 50% disability rating is warranted when the disability requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine. KEEP WINNING! 🙌💪✌
I was discharged because of sleep apnea in 2008 and to this day I keep getting denied
Sounds like someone messed up your records. A nexus letter and personal statement may put you over the edge here
Jordan, I’m officially retiring Oct 1, 2025. I will file my BDD claim April 4th. I have OSA with a CPAP machine. I’m concerned about the proposed changes happening right before I file/separate. Do you have an opinion on my chances of getting the 50% rating before the policy changes? Thanks!
Congrats on hitting the button Justin! I’ll say this: if you really want peace of mind, IF you have any reason that you would not be able to consistently utilize your prescribed CPAP (for instance I have a lot of vets who get a bit paranoid that the electricity will shut off and the mask will suffocate them, more common than you would think), then I would get that on record.
Or some vets have trauma that makes them claustrophobic, and the mask is a no-go for them as well. If that is you, I would get your doc to make a note of it, and also mention it in your personal statement in your BDD claim.
Other than that, you won’t be able to control anything else 👍
Thanks! Additionally, not sure if you know but let’s say they change the policy in September. I file my BDD in April but I’m not officially separated until October. Would the VA accept my claim based on my submission date or would they deny it based on my separation date? Thanks again
Yes I got Server sleep apnea and I have a machine and was denied
The VA believes you have sleep apnea, they just don’t believe it was a result of your service
I have an OSA diagnosis and am service connected 0% for rhinitis and sinusitis, which one has a higher win rate when claiming OSA as a secondary? Or can I do it with both?
i have diabetes and heart problems from Agent Orange.
i also am over weight, potability from diabetes.
i just got rated for the diabetes and heart problems (pact act) 70% service connected
should i file a claim for sleep apnea that i have had since 2006 the same time i had my haart attack. been on a cpap ever since.
What if you are on the “SMC” side of VA…….Can you purse this OSA or Not
Can you help me with my claim? Intent to file submitted on 12/9.
Do you charge to help with a claim. Our VSO last year advised not to file for sleep apnea. With a 50% rating for flat feet and planter fashities
Yes, my packages do cost Earlene. OSA secondary to feet is highly nexus letter dependent
Does a Vet need to have a diagnosis of OSA BEFORE trying to claim the secondary claim, or can the secondary claim be started before having a diagnosis of OSA and it is diagnosed DURING the claim process??? Thank you for the vids!
Thanks Brent. You can do your intent to file before you have a diagnosis, but I wouldn’t rely on getting diagnosed with sleep apnea as part of the VA’s investigation. They probably would just deny you without even scheduling you for any exams
@ awesome thank you, I’ll make an appointment as soon as I can then
Have you heard of someone getting OSA due excessive weight gain from a service related back Injury?
Absolutely! It’s the “obesity as interim step” claim, pretty fun those
Obesity as an Intermediary Step: The Veteran's inability to exercise due to back-related pain likely contributed to obesity, a significant risk factor for OSA. This connection is supported by numerous studies, including a review in "Obesity Reviews" (2011), which highlighted the link between physical inactivity, obesity, and OSA.
Question sir..So my situation. I think I’m on the right path- I get my nexus letter on the 9th of January. I had filed a few conditions but this main one is sleep apnea. I have it connected secondary to my hips (left and right), insomnia, migraines and back and allergic rhinitis. I had gotten a sleep study done earlier this year and it was severe obstructive sleep apnea and was provided a cpap. But question on that, was I supposed to tell them earlier this year when getting it done that it’s because my secondaries so they can note that? I should be good with my wife’s personal statement and the nexus letter right?
Another question, when you say “use these” the pubmed studies.. how do I go about that? Just save them as files and submit to VA evidence?
You will have a decent shot at winning with the statement and a nexus letter, yes. As far as those studies, you can save them as a file, then upload them on Va.gov into your claim as “Other correspondence”
partner says i choke in my sleep and there is research pointing towards use of inhalers for asthma causing/worsening OSA. rated for asthma so im thinking this is logically something i can try
What happened to combat craig he hasn't posted in a long time
So if you’re service connected with asthma AND GERD then the OSA should be a slam dunk right ???
NO secondary claim is ever a slam dunk. Too many moving parts to be comfortable. But you got a good shot on a well executed claim, I’ll say that 👍
Jordan, i'm service connected for PTSD, tinnitus and sinusitis.....previously denied twice for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and migraines...do you think you can still help.....i have been diagnosed a few years ago and prescribed CPAP
Yes, in fact I would entertain seeing if it could be due to sinusitis
NOT MEDICAL ADVICE: Studies in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" (2006) have shown that nasal congestion and inflammation from allergic rhinitis and sinusitis can obstruct airflow, predisposing to OSA. Mouth breathing due to nasal obstruction can also alter craniofacial development, further increasing OSA risk. You can have your doctor use that one and also the study that Jordan provided in the first pinned comment. KEEP WINNING!
I quit smoking in the Air Force basic training, then I gained 15% body weight. Can that be used as causation for obesity?