That's a hard one to answer. I know a person who was medically retired because of it. I was cleared Fit For Full Duty from other medical stuff and told I was not Qualified to re-enlist because I had been diagnosed with it. Yet, there is one person on here that finished his time nad retired with it. Some people don't ask all their questions online sometimes. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions you don't want to post.
Does Sleep Apnea (diagnosed and using a CPAP) preclude me from getting underway? If people can rig up their PS2 why couldn't I use a CPAP? I can't get discharged because of it can I? Thanks.
I need some answers to this to EMC_ I'm battling a CPAP/ Sleep Apnea problem, a thyroid problem, and a yet to be diagnosed sinus and respitory problem that has had me on the DL for quite a while. I've had the UPPP surgery, which helped a little bit, but I'm still supposed to use a CPAP. I'm going crazy waiting on my med board to know what's going on with me and it seems like no matter where I turn there are no answers to be found.
I stopped by the local CG clinic yesterday and spoke with one of the HS1's. I haven't had a chance to peruse the Medical Manual yet. His view was you can't come in with Sleep Apnea, but once in it should not be disqualifying. He also added that things like a persons type of job, the Apnea's severity might come into play. So it sounds like there isn't a hard fast rule. Gee what a shock!
We did agree that people should not risk their health, by not getting things checked out.
SigNu Coastie,
Having gone through the Med board process, I feel your pain. You haven't been around long enough to catch my post expressing my love for that system. The only thing you can really do is try and stay calm till you get the results. You will only drive yourself crazy running what if's. Just wait till you see the results then work on your next plan. I know that's easy, right. Are you going through the intial board? The results of your case may help answer some of these other guys questions.
Good luck to all and feel free to post or e-mail any other questions that may come up.
Thanks EMC_ and by the way.... I know I'm not as experienced as you guys, but just because I've never posted doesnt' mean I haven't been around the block. Anyhow, I went to medical today for sick call. I ended up being there 4 hours with the new civilian doc we have to replace the PA that was there. He was shocked to see how my case has been dealt with thus far and seemed pissed off that it's taken me a year to get nowhere. I think things are going to get moving now. Now we just have to get my duty status squared away before transfer season and I get shoved off somewhere. I'll keep ya'll posted. Thanks again.
I think you misunderstood my comments. There were many post by me going back into the late 1990's about how messed up the whole Med Board system is. Looking at your profile it appears this was before your time in the Coast Guard, so unless you are a long time fan of this board, all I meant was that you would not have seen them. Judging from your comments I see the system has not gotten any better.
Gotcha.. no harm no foul. I've been reading this stuff and many a board the entire time I've been in. But you're right... 90's is just a little before my time.
It is still the same kinda crap though. All flash and no gas.
I am new to the forum, and am getting the sleep study done here soon. I have been married for two 1/2 years, and it was my wife that told me of my sleep problems. So, I went to my PCM, and sure enough he said the spouses are theones who get people in for sleep apnea tests. After he sent out the consult, I told my parents, and my Mom had it done, and she has it. I am tired most of the day, and after doing boat, boat, recruiting, boat,boat I thought being tired was due to my job. Apparently not. We'll see. I have had 2 deviated septum surgery's too.But, after getting it done while on active duty, what should I do to follow up with the Navy then the Va to ensure I am taken care of. I also just got put on blood pressure meds too.
Alright I had my sleep lab done and they told me I have a bad case of Central Sleep Appnea. There is no Surgery or weight loss issues to correct this. It is basically when your brain does not fuction correctly when you sleep communicating to tell you to breathe. Anyways the only thing I can do to correct is wear a CPAP for the rest of my life. Back to the original topic how do you get rated for disability purposes? Is it only for retirees? I'm at my 7 year mark and I have 2 years left. I'm pretty sure I'm staying in, but If I don't I want to make sure I have my ducks in a row. Thanks for any help.
BUCMANXL, You will not get rated until you are discharged/retire etc. What you need to do now is collect copies of your medical reports, doctors notes, and the sleep study. Put these with the COPY OF YOUR ENTIRE MEDICAL FILE THAT ALL ACTIVE DUTY PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE. When you are no longer on Active Duty you will need this stuff to file a claim with the VA. It's a good idea to have a couple copies of your medical file and keep them in different places, just in case something happens to one. I gave this same advice to my Brother who is in the Air Force. During his last PCS move they lost his medical file. He made them a new copy from the one he kept.
I just had my sleep study done and they said, the techs, that I snored real bad and that they did ge the 2 hours needed for the insurance. But after 1- 130 am I couldnt get to sleep so they didnt put the CPAP on me as they said I didnt meet the criteria that night. I think its because I couldnt sleep.
It sounds like they are talking about an all in one sleep study. You will probably have to go back for a second study using the CPAP. To do a all in one study you need to fall asleep right away, so they can gather enough data to determine the degree of your apnea. Then they wake you up and have you go back to sleep using a CPAP mask to see how well it works and what settings you need. I've had a couple of studies done and never been able to get enough sleep in to do it all in one night either.
I am the wife of a 20-year military vet who served in GW1 and currently has a 10% VA rating for severe headaches. We've been together seven years and married for 3. I was trying to find an explanation for his headaches, lack of energy and memory issues when I discovered his sleep apnea. I urged him to get the sleep study (Tricare Prime)and he has been issued the CPAP for life. It has only slightly helped the other issues but at least I don't have to worry about him damaging his heart too. I thought I would appeal to this knowledgable board for thought /insight on how to proceed adding the CPAP to his VA and thereby increasing his rating. Can we tie it to headaches or GW service? Any guidance would be much appreciated.
Hello all. New here...Been lurking around for a while, but finally decided to join. Just found out I will be getting rated at 40% from VA the other day. But did not get rated at all for my sleep apnea. I am on a CPAP machine. I have not received my package from VA yet to let me know why I did not get rated for sleep apnea. I was diagnoised about 3 months after I retired and got the CPAP machine about a month after that. So why do you think VA did not rate me for it?
Could be a lot of things...Did you get a letter that said it was denied? If not, then a rating may be forthcoming...If they turn you down and you feel it is service connected, then by all means you can appeal the decision...
If your are working with a rep, you may want to give him a call and see if he has any insight...If I were you, I would wait for the letter and see what is going on...Sometimes these things take a long time...Good luck to you and don't give up...
When I was on active duty I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I transfered to the MOHAWK in 1999 for my last 2 years of active duty. When my CPAP machine needed repaired/replaced we sent a message to MLCLANT (k). They were furious that I was onboard a deployed cutter - claimed Sleep Apnea is disqualifying for sea duty. At the time, CNS Apnea, controlled with medication is disqualifying, but obstructive isn't. I doubt if the medical manual has been changed so talk with your Corpsman and detailer if necessary...or the VA if retired!
The only thing you can really do is try and stay calm till you get the results. You will only drive yourself crazy running what if's. Just wait till you see the results then work on your next plan. I know that's easy, right. Are you going through the intial board? The results of your case may help answer some of these other guys questions.
