I know there are already some posts on here about getting a Sleep Apnea rating, but I don't really understand the process. Can someone please explain to me what I need to do to apply to the VA? Or if I should even apply?
I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea at Ft. Lewis Army Medical Center about three years ago. I have already gone through the sleep study and I have my CPAP machine, which I use religiously. I don't get any sleep without it, and I stop breathing even when I do use it. I am afraid I will be in a situation where I can't use my machine and I may not be able to wake-up when I stop breathing. My wife tells me I stop breathing almost immediately upon falling asleep, but fortunately my machine senses that and forces me to breath again. It drives her crazy.
I will have (20) years active duty in a couple of years. I have a little heartburn applying for a disability rating with all of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen coming home from the middle east with life long injuries. Especially since I have not gone into a "War" zone in my eighteen years.
I don't want to clog the system and keep someone more deserving than I to wait any longer for their disability rating.
Hold on a minute. You can not apply for VA assistance until you are retired or dischaged. Some times you may appply for VA as part of your retirment physical. You need to work with medical. Sleep Apnea is not an automatic medical discharge. You must make sure everything is in your medical record and make copies. Going to a TAPS class will assist you in the steps to work with VA (HOPEFULLY). Mike
My wife tells me I stop breathing almost immediately upon falling asleep, but fortunately my machine senses that and forces me to breath again. It drives her crazy.
Grandpa Coastie I have a question... I have severe obstructive sleep apnea but I don't use the CPAP because my sinuses are so bad that I cannot exhale against the force of the incoming air. In your post, you state that "my machine senses (that you are not breathing) and forces you to breathe again". Has there been some type of technology advancement or a new type of machine that provides you with positive pressure "on demand" or just when you need it, or does your machine sit there and blow air until you shut it off like mine? Anxiously awaiting response... thanks. FTC Dave
Originally posted by GrandpaCoastie: I know there are already some posts on here about getting a Sleep Apnea rating, but I don't really understand the process. Can someone please explain to me what I need to do to apply to the VA? Or if I should even apply?
You cannot apply until you are no longer on Active Duty. Gather all your medical files, sleep studies, doctor's notes etc and file them away until then. When the time cimes you should apply.
I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea at Ft. Lewis Army Medical Center about three years ago. I have already gone through the sleep study and I have my CPAP machine, which I use religiously. I don't get any sleep without it, and I stop breathing even when I do use it. I am afraid I will be in a situation where I can't use my machine and I may not be able to wake-up when I stop breathing. My wife tells me I stop breathing almost immediately upon falling asleep, but fortunately my machine senses that and forces me to breath again. It drives her crazy.
Is the Coast Guard paying for your machine and supplies? You need to speak to someone about your stopping breathing, maybe your settings need to be adjusted.
I will have (20) years active duty in a couple of years. I have a little heartburn applying for a disability rating with all of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen coming home from the middle east with life long injuries. Especially since I have not gone into a "War" zone in my eighteen years.
Some of their life long injuries may make their lives harder, but your Sleep Apnea may make your life shorter. While I do have a lot of respect for those who have been in combat. Should a guy who gets his foot amputated while performing SAR, be treated any different than a guy who lost his to a IED?
I don't want to clog the system and keep someone more deserving than I to wait any longer for their disability rating.
Grandpa Coastie I have a question... I have severe obstructive sleep apnea but I don't use the CPAP because my sinuses are so bad that I cannot exhale against the force of the incoming air. In your post, you state that "my machine senses (that you are not breathing) and forces you to breathe again". Has there been some type of technology advancement or a new type of machine that provides you with positive pressure "on demand" or just when you need it, or does your machine sit there and blow air until you shut it off like mine? Anxiously awaiting response... thanks. FTC Dave
FTC Dave,
My machine just blows constant air. However, it does force me to breath again. Maybe like other folks are saying, I need an adjustment on my machine? And fortunately for now it keeps me breathing.
Some of their life long injuries may make their lives harder, but your Sleep Apnea may make your life shorter. While I do have a lot of respect for those who have been in combat. Should a guy who gets his foot amputated while performing SAR, be treated any different than a guy who lost his to a IED?
No! A disabling injury is the same for combat, sar, or any type of service related injury. I guess I just put too much emphasis on combat injuries. Sorry if I offended anyone.
Note:
I already have a collection of records that may benefit me when the time comes to file for a disability rating. The main reason I am doing this is a couple of years back (at a different unit) I was being hassled by my supervisors for being tired all the time. They thought I wasn't doing my job to the fullest. I figured I needed any documentation I could get ahold of in case things got worse.
During this time I was sent to "C" School for my new unit. I hand carried my medical record with me to Yorktown. I was looking through it one day (Probably against regulations? But, I was paranoid I guess) and there were things missing from my sleep study, etc. that had been in there before. Maybe innocently misplaced?, but haven't taken anymore chances since then.
FTC Dave----may or may not apply but ask about a BIPAP machine- basically inhale at 1 pressure, exhale at another. I have 1 and think it is much better than a CPAP for me.
Notice from your post you must be at a unit in D13. I may be able to help,call Retired Affairs, CGRetireeCouncil - NW at 206 217 6188. Will return to office on Tuesday 9 OCT. Leave msg and your call will be returned.
Retired Coastie/US Dept of Veterans Affairs (out reach counselor).
I am an MK1 making MKC real soon. I am fast approaching the big Five "O". I didn't join until I was 27 years old. No prior service. It used to be so much fun being a couch potato. Oh, do I miss those days.
I am called grandpa by my fellow shipmates on the cutter I currently serve on. From the Captain on down to the youngest Non-Rate, I am 10+ years their senior. My engineering officer calls me Grandapa Coastie. Stick with the name they give you I have heard. When I was a 27/28 year old Non-rate, I was called Senior Citizen. Or "senior" for short. That used to drive the chiefs crazy.
Grandpa..... Welcome Aboard! I hope you choose to fill out your profile.. I for one like to know to whom I am talking to.. of course that is not a requirement.. just a request....
Grandpa. The only recommondation I make for you is to go to TAPS at least 1 year before your retirement. I was unable to do so with my situation. However, if you do that, you will find out what your entitled, how to process your VA claim if you so desire. For example here in Miami we have an active duty represenative who will process your claim while your on terminal, or before you on terminal if your staying in the local area. It would behoove you to check out the local VA settings where your gonna retire to. IE: If your stationed in the east coast, and want to move to California go visit and start the claim process. You do have up to a year after discharge to file a claim. But why wait, when you have the oppurtunity to do that while still on active duty. Also, a lot of people don't know this, especially for us OIF/OEF vets in the Coast Guard. We get 2 years (possibly 5) of free medical care upon discharge through the DOD clinic at the VA. That can/help members who are transitioning, and going to the university, or having a bump in the road. Lots of options, just need to do the research. Congrats on your upcoming promotion to Chief. Master Chief, sorry if I jumped to high on this one...
I am a retired YNC, USCG and a VA Representative for the State of Virginia. I will explain how the process works. First, make a copy of your Active Duty and/or Reserve medical record (including dental). Make sure that Sleep Apnea is documented in your record along with a copy of the Sleep Study. Check with your local Veterans Affairs (1-800-827-1000) and find out if there is a program called "Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program or Pre-Discharge Program. If this program is available, you can submit your VA claim before retirement/discharge. In VA, we have a program called "Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)Program. You can submit your VA package within a standard time frame of (60 days to 6 months before you retire or discharge from the Coast Guard). For example, must be in the hands of a VA Representative at least 60 days prior to retirement date, February 28, 2008 (must be a weekday). If your retirement state does not have the program, you must wait until you are released from the Coast Guard.
Start reviewing your service medical record yourself and make a list of all conditions that are current/reoccurring. Make sure you go to medical for documentation of these conditions. For those of you that have hearing problem, get an audiogram before getting out of the Coast Guard.
If you have further questions, please post your question and I will do my best to answer it.
I retired at 20 in September '07 with moderate OSA that requires the use of a CPAP machine and full-face mask. Did wonders for my sleep as well as my long-suffering wife's. I submitted a claim to the VA in December 07 for the OSA and an arthritic knee (early stages, but visible in an X-ray). I followed the advice given at TAPS and had the DAV in Houston endorse my package. I got my rating on March 12 (this is far quicker than I anticipated, and no, I did not retire as a senior officer). OSA was rated at 50% and the knee at 10% for a total of 60%. Plus they direct deposited my benefits, backdated to my retirement date. The VA did re-evaluate my knee with their own docs, but did not challenge or make any effort to re-confirm my diagnosis of OSA, which was from a civilian sleep lab that accepted Tricare. The DAV told me that a well documented diagnosis of OSA will stand on its own. If the VA sets an appointment for a follow-on physical, by all means, go, even though you'll have the option of declining. A final word; please be patient with the DAV folks, they are good people who are very overworked and it can sometimes take a while to reach a caseworker or get them to return calls or emails.
