quote:

Originally posted by tc1uscg:
If the VA already said I had "mild SA" (I don't have any copies of the records but I'm sure (yea h right) it's as simple as asking for it but what if I go to a civ doctor and they say it's worse the "mild" will the VA accept that and rule on a rating or do you think I have to start from square one. I really rather forget the rating thing if I gotta spend nights at the va hospital. Anyone ever delt with the outside doctor vs the VA?

From my own experience, the VA would rather you go to an outside physician. I went to several and it really helped my claim. I would never let a VA doctor cut on me with the surgery they use for sleep apnea such as cutting out the back of yoru throat. I have used both civilian care out of my pocket vs the VA care, the civilian care is so much better, I actually saw the surgeron and he spoke with me. The anesthesia was much better performed at a civilian ambulatory center vs the VA. Just my own experiences. My private physician says to stay away from the VA, but I understand some cannot because they cannot work and are 100% P/T.

I think I'll just bring it up at my next "preventive visit" with my doctor and proceed with seeing a civilian doctor. I just called and faxed them a request to get my records. According to the records person, I cancelled 2 visits to obtain my "disablity rating". The only thing I remember canceling was a visit to the sleep clinic (had already been there 2 times). The last word was I had "miled SA". I didn't see any reason to go back and spend the night in the sleep tank. Besides, that glue stuff they were sticking to my head was keepin me up anyway.. Smelled like I was sleeping in the paint locker or bottle of aceitone(sic?).. Anyway, when I get my records, I'm going to turn them over to a civial doctor and go from there. Then, send everything back to the va and let them do whatever. I've heard that the laser surgery is pretty good of clearing up part of the problem but is not sure cure. I'll just wait and see how long it takes the VA to get me my records.

tc1 -- Am I understanding this correctly? You are saying you had no documentation concerning your sleep apnea prior to your retirement physical, which was back in 1999, and you are now trying to get a rating for it, based on what was said during that physical?

Is that correct?

Wray...

In a previous post, I wrote,

quote:

As a Coast Guard retiree, the TRICARE Prime program and my primary care provider, David O. Grant Medical Center at TRAVIS AFB, has been nothing but GREAT in providing me with the best equipment and periodic replacement of expendible material such as masks and filters.

Every six months, I receive a new nasal mask plus filters and a new head harness. My copay up to now, has been only about 5 percent of the total charge from the vendor.

Up to now...

Just received my TRICARE statement concerning my last shipment of CPAP supplies. Now, I am required to copay 50% of the charge.

Upon checking with the TRICARE rep at the Air Force hospital, she informed me that our copays have already been increased, without much fanfare or press coverage.

Time to start looking at supplimental policies.

Oh yea, there's a large sign just recently posted in the hospital pharmacy area that reads in part, "due to cuts in our budget, our formulary (the list of medicines stocked at a particular pharmacy) is being reduced..."

quote:

Originally posted by Wray:
tc1 -- Am I understanding this correctly? You are saying you had no documentation concerning your sleep apnea prior to your retirement physical, which was back in 1999, and you are now trying to get a rating for it, based on what was said during that physical?

Is that correct?

Wray...

No, well maybe. If you want to call me complaining about breathing problems prior to my out-processing physical. Yep, that's there. I really didn't start snoring so bad till my last duty station. Now, my snoring has gotten worse. A few warning signs are there and have me concerned. When I was going through sleep clinic visits, the 2nd one, I was told I had mild SA. At the time, I didn't think much about it but they wanted me to come back. I declined. According to them (I just found this out), they wanted me back to obtain my "rating". I didn't know this. I thought they wanted me back for another sleep over. I want to go to a civilan doctor for treatment or whatever as I think it's gotten worse. Whe I called the VA about my records, that's when I was told about the rating issue. My plan is to see a civi doc for treatment. If they think I have a worse case, I'll be sending whatever they find to the VA and let the chips fall where they may. My biggest concern for my lung issue (which lead them to have me come in to the sleep clinic anyway) was my 3 years I spent at the Coast Guards Toxic Super Fund Group Ohio River in Owensboro. You remember, the one the Ky EPA shut down (or convenced) the CG to shut down because of the Southerm States fuel spill from years back? Well, I really don't want to get into that discussion as we know it was a nice case of finger pointing with the EPA and CG. Never did find out who paid to move the group. I think the CG ended up footing the bill didn't they?

Well, my point is... if you weren't seen, or had this condition documented prior to your retirement physical, I'd say... my guess only... it you don't stand much chance of getting anything for this...

Also, was this brought to the VA's attention as soon as you retired?


Wray...

I know this is about VA ratings vs. SA but did want to chime in about having the surgery. While no surgical procedure is going to be 100% guarantee on anything done to your body, if all your ducks are in a row and the higher end percentage of success is on your side (you lost weight, keep it off, don't drink alcohol before bed, don't fatigue yourself to the point of exhaustion, etc.), why not consider the surgery.

Three years ago, I had the surgery. It was either that or take the CPAP. Like the surgery though, the CPAP isn't for everyone. I, myself, am very claustrophobic where anything on my face in the form of a mask causes me distress. Also, we are heavy travellers; oftentimes with very limited baggage capabilities...I don't need to have a tether holding me down. Anyways, I was rated 'extreme'; my airway at night was explained to be that less than a soda straw...not a McDonald's straw but those little mixed drink straws used for stir sticks. I would wake up extremely tired even after 8 hours of sleep and ALWAYS woke up with excrutiating headaches. My memory sucked as did my attention span (be quiet, big brother!! LOL).

I won't lie; it was an extensive recovery period but I knew that up front. The first two weeks, I had to learn how to drink liquid all over again, etc. HOWEVER, since the surgery, I am, not 'cured' but OMG, I have never slept so good in my 40+ years. I do occasionally snore when I drink alcohol, fatigue myself more than normal, or the air is hot and dry. But gee, doesn't everyone mostly?

The surgery involved the removal of 30% of the back of my throat. Now, I have no uvula (the little thing that hangs down and wiggles when you talk or sing) and the tissue back there is no longer there (where your tonsils are). They also repaired my deviated septum which was found during my ENT xrays.

Funny thing, not only did the surgery aid impressively on my sleep abilities but also, now I can finally even walk a mile without panting and struggling to breath.

Just something to think about. I know its not for everybody and is the the more invasive option but if you have exhausted your other options and still aren't getting enough 'rest', talk to your ENT about it. It was the best thing I did, not only for me, but my marriage as well.

tc1uscg,

The first thing you need to do is get a VSO to represent you. You are working in an area that will be extremely difficult to do on your own. contact your local Amvets, DAV etc and get someone to help you.

Where your sleep clinic visits within a year of retiring? You may have to start all over again applying for a rating. Gather all paperwork you can find, don't rely on the VA to provide the paperwork.

Wray,

He has a chance 2 ways. 1. If things were started within a year of retiring. 2. If he can connect to a rated condition as a secondary condition caused by the first or causes the rated condition to be worsened.

quote:

Originally posted by Wray:
Well, my point is... if you weren't seen, or had this condition documented prior to your retirement physical, I'd say... my guess only... it you don't stand much chance of getting anything for this...

Also, was this brought to the VA's attention as soon as you retired?

Wray...

The whole point of getting my physical was to investigate the issues I listed on my out processing medical forms. The VA conducted thier exams and the SA was discovered during this physical. So, on one page, I complained about the breathing issues, which they tested and recorded the lung-air compacity issue. They asked certain questions about my background, snoring, etc.. I ended up coming to the sleep clinic twice. blah blah blah.. They knew of the SA during that "service connected" physical (not sure what to really call it). I wasn't too happy about the ankle thing but at least everything is recorded so if I was to have problems (like now) with one of them, I could go back. Right now, I'll wait for the records, go to a civilian doctor and get treated. If it's bad enough or whatever he/she finds, I'll send that to the VA and let them run with it. If I get nothing, if anything, I'll be taking up a bout a quarter inch of space in some file drawer or a michigan landfill.

quote:

SAR: " I would wake up extremely tired even after 8 hours of sleep and ALWAYS woke up with excrutiating headaches. My memory sucked as did my attention span (be quiet, big brother!! LOL)."

Sounds like me but the headaches just started and they really are not too bad (yet).

EMC: Thanks for the advice. I was doing my physical just a few weeks after retirement but thats when the VA scheduled it. I was in the sleep clinic 2 months after retirement when they said I had SA. So, the physical I was having done was because of the problems I listed in my post retirement medical concerns form or whatever it's called. I did see CG medical prior to getting out but they said it was nothing for them to place me on medical hold so list it, that way the VA would look me over since they would based on my questionaire I filled out.

EMC_.. I've thought about the laser surgury first. I heard for miled cases, it works wonders. It sorta does what you had done but they don't cut, they "burn". Ouch.. Guess I just need to have a ENT look me over and go from there. Guess I need to spend some time looking this stuff up on the WWW to get educated. Oh.. where do I find this VSO

Thanks to all. I'll keep ya posted.

tc1uscg,

One correction from your response,SAR was the one that had surgery, not me.

A VSO or Veterans Service Organization is AMVETS, DAV, American Legion, or even your local town's veterans representative. Where I live every town is required to have a Veterans rep., although smaller town's share the same guy. They have National Service Officers (NSO) a person from the organization who will assist you in filing claims with the VA. You need to contact them (by calling the local chapter) and find out who the person is and meet with them. You will fill out paperwork, which basically gives them power of attorney to talk to the VA on your behalf. I filed my first claim with the VA and got what I felt was appropriate. The second claim I filed was shot downIN BIG FLAMES. I the got an NSO from AMVETS who refiled the claim with some additional info. It also was denied, he then told them, basically to look again and pointed out where they were wrong. A short 3 years from my first filing it was approved. If you don't know about the town Veterans rep I would avoid him. While many are very good, you can run into some who don't really know the system that well. AMVETS and DAV most often have people that do this all the time. Feel free to e-mail me if need any other help or want to discuss anything you don't want to put on the board.

http://www.dav.org/veterans/claim_representation.html

http://www.amvets.org/HTML/what_we_do/testimony_060602.html

quote:

Originally posted by RDBiker:
The answer to your question is yes.
I am rated 50% for sleep apnea and know a few others that are also.

I created a new post for this, but are there any rated above 50% for sleep apnea?

The guidelines state that sleep apnea is an automatic 50%. The way the VA rates things; 10% + 20% does not equal 30%, one could assume that if you have other health problems stemming from the sleep apnea then the rating could go higher...as explained by the local VA rep here.

Not unless a CPAP Machine is required.


From the VA SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES

6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed):
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy......100


Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine......50


Persistent day-time hypersomnolence..... 30


Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing.. 0

I got a letter from VA telling me to prove what I claimed is service connected. I thought that since it was in my health record it was covered. How do I prove sleep apnea is service related, other than it was first diagnosed while I was still on active duty? VA is getting tough about proving service connection, coincidence of timing isn't always accepted anymore. My suspicion is that I got sleep apnea by being stationed in cold climates, I never had any problems living in The South, it wasn't until USCG sent me up north that I had a problem.

The heart failure is the tricky part, and hinges on the sleep apnea. My cardiologist (who luckily for me also works for the local VA clinic part time) thinks the most likely cause is the sleep apnea, so if the sleep apnea is approved I think the heart failure will be.

quote:

VA is getting tough about proving service connection, coincidence of timing isn't always accepted anymore. My suspicion is that I got sleep apnea by being stationed in cold climates, I never had any problems living in The South, it wasn't until USCG sent me up north that I had a problem.

I think that you will be seeing more and more of this as the VA's budget fails to keep with the increasing cost of providing medical care and the number of claimants, especially related to the conflicts and Afghanistan and Iraq increase rapidly.

I am continually required to provide an explanation to them as to why I didn't wear hearing protection during my Coast Guard career. (Clue - I was a Radioman). Someday, when I provide them their required secret squirel code, the VA just might give me the surgery I need to my auditory nerves in order to restore some of my hearing. Until then, I'm thankful to have TRICARE Prime.

So, all you sleep Apneacs...If SA is good enough (bad enough)to get you MEB'ed and kicked from the ANG with 29 years in service, it must be service connected, yes? I believe I may have SA, but I am hesitant to have it diagnosed while I am in Active status (at least by AF PCM), yet I want to establish any potential service-connectedness. I am a new war veteran (OEF 2006)and have just filed for VA med care. My hope is to get a sleep study and diagnosis done by VA while still Active, and then reveal the study findings to the Guard after returning to dual status (weekender )status. I have been assured by my clinic types that SA requiring CPAP will lead to MEB/discharge (non-ww duty/non-deployable)

So what does service connected really mean? Discovered/diagnosed while AD? Proof that the problem was CAUSED by service?

Whatydda think?

dc

dog.. before you are released, you should have to do your pre-med release checkup. That's when you would want to say something about your SA. I knew I snored before I got out. Just thought it was because of the COLD berthing area that made it happen. But it was after I got out, had my post-retirement med check that they wanted to put me in the sleep tank for tests. Said I had mild SA. Though it's gotten worse.. I've not gone to my civilian doc to have additional tests done. Got kicked out because of having SA? Guess they didn't want you giving away your position sawing logs. I was told that if it's something you developed while serving, it's considered "service connected". But that's a broad term.

Ok, I am jumping on the bandwagon here. I went to my pulmonary appt yesterday for my asthma and acid reflux (w/gerd). I have been seeing my Dr. for the last year. I have been on active duty for 18 years. My Dr. said I should also have a sleep study done. My husband says that I breath weird when I sleep. I inhale the air, but breath out short several times. does this sound like a form of sleep apnea? I can retire in 2 years, but am trying to stay longer. If I am rated at 50%, how much of a disability payment does that constitute?

I hope you all don't mind an army guy posting?

I retired Sep 05. I was diagnosed within months w/CA and issued a CPAP. While going through the VA appointments they had agreed to wait the rating process until I had the sleep test completed. Both VA and Tricare was trying to set this up, Tricare was faster and I went with them. Once completed I sent all data showing SA, and assignment of the CPAP. My rating for this was Not SC. Now I have to figure out how to prove I did not wake up after retirement and all of a sudden have this condition...any idea's?
-lukn

Iculukn2,

Your profile is private so I can't e-mail you. Send me an e-mail address through my profile and I let you know about my similar situation.