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I asked the VA for a sleep study (i've been out for 20 yrs) and it was approved. I was diagnosed with extreme obstructive sleep apnea by a UTMB cardiologist (i was sent to UTMB, University of Texas Medical Branch), the VA reviewed the opinion and issued me the cpap machine. Then I got a nexus letter from my private Dr. He also reviewed the sleep study, my service history and also a letter from my ex wife describing how my sleep pattern changed after my first deployment. I submitted the sleep study, the nexus letter and letter from my ex wife and was awarded 50% for sleep anea. I can not stress how important the nexus letter and the buddy letter are when you file for sleep apnea.

Just another note on TDIU eligibility. Veteran has to have at least 1 rating at 60% or 2 or more with 1 rating at least 40% and an overall static rating of 70% in order to even be eligible for consideration.

You guys rock!! You won my case!! I will forever be grateful! Sleep is serious it affects every aspect of your life!

Thank you for this overview. As a Post Service Office this is helpful to me.

I am going to try to connect my sleep apnea to my service in a few months I have a CAPC machine and have done a sleep study this a great information.

I have sleep apnea and it was diagnosed by the VA I've never tried to file for it as a disability but I have to have a CPAP machine and I have all the symptoms you're talking about in this video thank you

Omg! I’m crying, everything she said (intro) I’m experiencing. And I did experienced while in service but had no clue there was a reason.

I've gotten everything service-connected and approved, but my sleep apnea. They deferred my sleep apnea decision, and that's the only thing keeping me from hitting 100%, and the VA even prescribed me a CPAP. Submitting appeal and keeping my fingers crossed.

Everything that was said in this video is what i said during my medical interview. Said my sleep apnea is a result from my ptsd ,back injury and ankle injury. All which i already have a rating for. But my claim was denied. The blamed it all on my weight. But all my other injuries are the reason i can't keep a regular workout routine. I now get my cpap equipment thru the va. Hopefully that will help when i refile a claim.

great info. as Always

Damn, it's starting to look like this is the norm for serving. Everyone's stories are similar to mine. Diagnosed by va, got cpap, no rating, and they say it isn't service connected. Something's not adding up, too many people have the same exact symptoms for them to ignore this.

Diagnosed with enlarged thyroid gland in in service which causes weight gain diabetes hypertension surgery for thyroid removal . Also diagnosed after service sleep apnea with sleep study given cpap. Va also sleep study and give cpap again later.

The VA sent me to a Sleep Study and I wake up or Stop breathing over 100 times a night. The VA sent me to a Sleep Apnea around 10 years and said yes you have it and gave me a Cpap machine. I have been service connected for my lungs and we are doing a secondary Cpap due to Sever Asthma .

I have had a sleep study at the VA and my condition is confirmed, but it wasn't diagnosed when on active duty because I never realized what it was. My x-wife can confirm incidents of snoring, shaking, and gasping for air when on active duty. Also, she can confirm my falling forward in church hitting my head on a pew and falling asleep behind the wheel and going off the road in Germany. Is it even possible to receive a disability rating? Also, I've had chronic foot conditions, but all I could attribute it to was doing physical training in combat boots before we started using tennis shoes.

Great Video. Thank you for all the knowledge you give us. However, one subject puzzles me. If I was diagnosed with sleep apnea while I was Active Duty. Also, If I conducted a sleep study , and issued a CPAP Machine while I was on Active Duty, will I still need to have an Event in Service like a Car Wreck to file a direct claim ? I have all the documents proving this. The only thing is that I do not have an event to name the cause. I just conducted a sleep study, got diagnosed, and issued a CPAP all while I was on Active Duty. Is that enough for a Direct-Service Claim ?

Yes I needed place to sleeping and live so that I can have better things and great population to move together forever

I got my diagnosis during Covid they came me a sleep study at home. First they said they couldn't tell if I had it but gave me a CPAP.

I was in a military hospital with a co-worker and when I woke up, he mention my snoring was really bad. Later I have him write a letter on my behalf and was dined, and the rater said it was because he was my buddy??? Since then I have had several sleep studies does and even surgery which did not fix my apnea. Now you say my family, coworkers and even friends can write on my behalf.

Great video!!! I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and OSA with the use of CPAP (prescribed by VA doctors). Still no rating from the VA...just how long should this process take? Thank you in advance for your time.

I was tested for sleep apnea and the VA doctor told me that I am server sleep apnea. It took 3 years and one day I got a letter from the DAV stating that the results should be 50%. About a month later I got notified from the VA for 20%. Is there anything that I can do to see about getting it higher???

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2015 and was giving a CPAP machine. I also filled for disability for sleep apnea but was denied.and now they new thing (pack act, ) i also should say im already 100% p&t

I asked a question in another video and this video will tie into this new question. 2 of my service connected disabilities knee & back prevented me from exercising and I've been overweight since getting out and I have sleep apnea with a Cpap machine issued. I'm currently 60% because of added migraines due to getting meningitis during service because while being stationed at a boot camp location a recruit was not treated correctly and continued to allow to train and a few people were infected and that recruit died due to the illness and I've suffered with migraines since even losing employment and getting social security benefits because of it. Do you guys take clients in NM? Thank you

I've been fighting this since the first gulf war. 4 years prior to my retirement I had surgery to correct my Sleep APNEA. I've been using a CPAP to sleep for 23 years. Yet I'm still not receiving disability benefits from the VA for it.

The VA combined my Sleep Apnea and Asthma into one rating; which I think is so they don’t have to pay anything extra.

I’am service connected 2012 had a congestive heart failure my civilian heart specialist ran a angiogram a- fib , VA diagnosed me after sleep test with severe case of sleep apnea in 2011, denied my claim in, 2018 diagnosed with PTSD, Claim awarded, 2002 back injury & spine awarded 40% to 60% in 2012 , in 2018 (90% but I felt underrated to date 2022 Don’t understand the fuzzy math rating so I requested & asking for copies threw the Texas V.A. Representative to get me my Military records , rating sheet , Claims record’s files for my own personal files I’am interested in my files and what they did for me !

I have 30% service connected for bronchiolar asthma. Now I have had two sleep studies performed at the Mayo Clinic and I been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. I’m waiting on my interview at the VA. Any advice or anything I need to bring or mention?

Has there ever been a nexus between apnea and service aboard submarines? Considering the lower O2 content in the boat, approximately 19%, as well as the aerosols (oils and amines) in the atmosphere, and pressure differentials these conditions are less than desirable for long term exposure.

Same here, SC secondary to LBP via intermediate connection to obesity denied 2nd time even with IMO nexus.😢

What about medications that increase the severity of sleep apnea. For example, a veteran is prescribed gabapentin for their service connected disability and develops sleep apnea due to the use of gabapentin.

Would you need the sleep apnea assessment for a claim, if it was the VA that diagnosed it?

I got 30% ptsd. If I get diagnosed for sleep apnea from a sleep study and get a sleep device. Can u use your law firm to help me get a nexus?

So if I had a neck injury in service and I have sleep apnea is that connected?

Os "medical nexus" now the be all end all for service connection? I got to 90% without ever using a nexus.

I have been tested for sleep apnea, I was issued a CPAP machine, and now I have a fatty liver do to the CPAP machine and now I’m being treated for that. So I’ve never received a rating for sleep apnea. I was told they don’t rate for sleep apnea any more! Is this not True?

I’m 0% for sleep apnea and cpap is on back order will my claim get approved for increase even though machine is on back order?

I am in the National Guard right now. However, I was on Active Duty a year ago During this time, the VA diagnosed me with Sleep Apnea. I did a sleep study and was issued a CPAP machine while I was on Active Duty too. I filed a claim in March and I am waiting to receive a rating. Does my Circumstances mandate a 50% award ??

Any connection between agent orange and Central Sleep Apnea, I’m Viet Nam vet and have been diagnosed with severe central sleep apnea?

Can chronic sinusitis be secondary to sleep apnea

Denied claim for sleep apnea even with my wife s letter and a diagnosis by sleep doctor what’s my next move, I was diagnosed while I was active duty with numerous time of headaches what about nexus letter?

If a service connected condition interferes with sleep and you have severe apnea treatment (requiring cpap therapy) as rating.

Can OSA be secondary to Somatic symptom disorder??

What if I had sleep insomnia before at 30% but then they combined it with my depression for 70%? Will it be hard to get a good rating since I previously had some sleep problems? The Va did say I have obstructive sleep apnea and gave me the cpap machine to sleep but now I’m just waiting for a c an p for sleep apnea. I guess my question is since I had sleep problems before will it be easier to get a good rating for this?

I had a sleep study done by a privet doctor I had severe sleep apnea. Would the va still send me to a c&p exam

I had a strange case. I had a referral for a sleep study put in by my primary care doctor prior to retirement but was unable to get a sleep study till after I was already retired. Got the sleep study put in due to some other issues I was having and could have been related. Now I submitted for sleep apnea, but I'm afraid that it will come back as after service not during, just due to the backlog of studies needing to be done and the earliest appointment I could get. Any suggestions?

A va doctor from the sleep study lab told me I stop breathing 20times threw da night during my home sleep study I already get 70% for ptsd wat would I have after I get approved I just had a phone interview with qtc services for my claim I have in and I got a feeling I got approved they had my test and the lady seem like it was a open and shut case

This was excellent! Great breakdown of the obesity as an intermediary!

I had a sleep study done 4 years ago I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea would the va send me to a c&p exam for sleep apnea anyway

I did not file for sleep apnea but the VA insisted that I do the study? I have filed for restless leg syndrome which a VA doctor has diagnosed me to have. Are they related?

Hey Dwayne, I don’t know if you answer questions. If not reply just say so. Question with background: Will getting an expert nexus letter with full review of my STR, a substantial investment, sent to VA on my pending OSA 2nd to lumbar spine and hips, with obesity as intermediary be likely to tip scales to equipoise. I had 2 total hip replacement in 2017 were rated 10% per hip in 2021,at which time increase for back from 10 to 20%. My PCP medical letter supports my claim on an at least as likely as not basis. Peeking in my heathy vet, I see tracks of my ongoing sleep apnea claim. VA covering their bases with 2 separate medical opinion letters, posturing case with both letters in response to internal request from the deniers. They are inserting their response with “less-than-likelies” language opining my jaw advancement as treatment for mandibular AP Deficiency. News to me! I thought it was just the final phase of my orthodontics done for correction of my Class 2 Bite. VA says it was due to airway structures. Was diagnosed w/ OSA in 2010. Since online claim says I can still add evidence, so what would the result be of me submitting an Uber-strong nexus letter before the reach denial phase? Your thoughts based on your past experiences as a previous VA Rater? Thanks.

Can the VA take away your rating if you have trouble sleeping with the CPAP? "Not using it"

My va dr diagnosed me to have restless leg syndrome & prescribed medication for that before i was diagnosed with the sleep apnea. Does that matter?

Can overexposure to CS gasduring BT can link SA to service?

How do I prove that my sleep apnea is service connected I was in the Army from 1986-1993 when they didn't even know what sleep apnea was after AIT I had roommates put socks in my mouth and other harassment because of my snoring but then in 2010 the VA gave me the test and I was told that I was really bad and was placed on a cpap machine

Kia Ora from NZ my husband has all the symptoms he been on the capp machine but got claustrophobic and couldnt carry on VA wont accept options so we are stuck!

Would black mold in the dorm of Lackland cause sleep apnea?

How can you prove sleep apnea in military from the 60s since there were only one thousand cases in the USA on c pap machines and cases on arena back then.?

I need a OSA nexus letter secondary to my septoplasty surgery. Does anyone know a doctor I can contact about this?

Question: I am a disabled Vet (Go Army). I have a CPAP machine long after my Army days. Can i file a claim? From my understanding, the CPAP can be used in place of a nexus letter....is that correct?

I was denied sleep apnea rating because it says it's hereditary. VA said that I mentioned during my sleep study that my father and uncle has one and been using CPAP. Is there anything that can still be done? I want to make an appeal if possible. Thanks

I was just turn down for Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD with a Nexus letter from a Veteran Physician. What do I need to do next?

I have very severe sleep apnea. The va put me on medicine for my ptsd but we never used that word due to the stigma it held at the time. I am very confident that this is due to my deployment in 2005 to Kuwait. I was subject to the oil fires and burn pits near the base. Looking back on the whole situation it now makes sense . what are my next steps. I am on a cpap.

I had congestive heart failure in 2012 my heart specialist diagnosed my issues he is a Civilian ! Being a disabled veteran in 2013 went to a Lubbock VA outpatient center Doctor to find out what happened & why I had congestive heart failure & my wife was with me doctor he ask me if I had trouble breathing or sleeping we both said yes he sent me to the VA Hospital in Amarillo Texas they fitted me with wrist band program for a home sleep test five days later I mailed the band back in 2 days later called me and my wife to come in I had a severe case of sleep apnea was fitted for a CPAP machine & felt like it was why I had congestive heart failure ! I filed a claim they the VA denied my claim said we didn’t give you sleep apnea ! I’am stuck have 90% but I feel like I was unrated !

I had a sleep study done at the request of the VA ( I didn't even file for it ), and the report said that I had both types of apnea. I have back conditions that is already rated, can this be the cause of my apnea? Or do I just file a claim for the apnea?

If it’s rated for a cpap and it helps are you considered cured and won’t get a disability rating

I did a sleep study test through the VA via third party and I never got the results back. But the VA denied me saying it wasn’t service connected. So I had to look up the results thru the third party company and it said my sleep apnea was an OSA severe. And I was never ask if I wanted a cpap machine. Any advice on how to proceed. All this was done last year or two ago

Sleep apnea diagnosed 2014 also have ASBESTOSIS with lung disease diagnosed 1993 30 % DISABILITY it's complicated. ( help) also have other health issues number appeals turned down???

I have it, had surgerys for it, never filed for it. But i was diagnosed with tinnitus with injury to my shoulder. Service connected. How do I file .. ?

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea several years ago. I wasn't diagnosed while in Service. I had the PPP surgery to fix my breathing but it was only partially successful. I can't tolerate the CPAP. I am not Obese as I am 5'9" and weigh 150 lbs. Following the sleep apnea diagnosis, I have developed diabetes and hypertension. Do you think I may be able to get VA benefits?

I'm waiting on the call for my C&P exam. Is it an automatic 50% just if you need a CPAP or if you use one and it doesn't fix it? I saw the latter online.

What If I'm already Dx and the VA has been treating me with a CPAP for over 5 years??

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea by the VA via sleep study provided by them. They prescribed a CPAP which I have not been able to get used to. They in turn prescribed a mouth appliance which was sort of working, except that it caused my jaw to not go back to normal after a month and a half so I stopped using. While on the mouth appliance, the VA had me do a second sleep study and found that my sleep apnea got worse, another reason I stopped wearing the appliance. Still after finding the results of the second study, VA stated I wasn't eligible for compensation. However, I didn't officially submit a claim. The VA scheduled me for a third party exam suggested by a VA examiner. At the exam they simply asked the history of my condition and didn't perform any tests. What should I do?

Can a veteran have COPD and sleep apenea?

Hi what if I got a referral during demob. ? I have symptoms of OSA provider wrote referral “due to OSA adult.”I am waiting for VA to schedule sleep medicine at home or record which will be after my active duty orders expire.

VA diagnosed me with sleep apnea they prescribed me a byepap machine can I get disability for that

I lost my claim, although I have severe sleep apnea.

I have severe sleep apnea and was denied. I also have 70% PTSD service connected

What about secondary to tinnitus

The VA diagnosed me with OSA most likely caused by obesity. I injured my knees in jump school, (30%, 10% for knees). I started to slowly gain weight until I was barred from reenlisting due to my weight. I served for 9 years was planning to make a career out of the army. Due to the fact I was injured to a point that I was barred from reenlisting would I have a case to get SC for my OSA?

With the recent VA presumption for Sinusitis and Rhinitis and the amount of vets that have sleep apnea because of breathing issues. Do you think the VA will ever list sleep apnea as a presumption claim for vets that served in the gulf region?

I am a "Blue Water" Navy veteran. The VA recently made hypothyroidism presumptive to Agent orange. Is OSA secondary to hypothyroidism?

Could you win earlier effective date after you’ve been great at 100% disabled for service connect

Are documented asbestos and agent orange exposure on Active Duty potentially related to Sleep Apnea? I did sleep studies in 2008 and 2024 which were both positive. I was unable to use the CPAP mask provided in 2008. The latest study is recommending using newer technology equipment particularly since my O2 levels at night drop to 86% and I gasp for breath due to Apnea. I have a temporary rating of 100% Prostrate Cancer related to agent orange and a 0% rating for high blood pressure. The VA has denied my hearing loss. During my discharge physical the doc said I had a 50% hearing loss during active duty but those records cannot be located. I am also on continuous meds for asthma. I have documentation showing when treatments started soon after release from active duty and that they have been continuous. I am now 80 yrs old. 31 yrs of AD and Reserve. I won't go into problems related to VA exam scheduling.

Had my OSA denied with no C&P Exam and is on appeal

What about tinnitus as the nexus?

I am at 20% for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. I have also been diagnosed with sleep apnea by the VA. Could I receive compensation for that also? I do have a CPAP from the VA

Can a lawyer contact me about my cpap. I stop breathing 12 times a hour... and I want to fight for this.... Thank you...

I had 3 sleep apnea tests at Kelsey Seybold .Doc said I have severe sleep apnea . so I go to the VA and they gave another sleep test .i fifiled But was turned down by the VA ,HELP D clinic

have a sleep study done by the VA, i have sleep apnea and am scheduled for a cpap, I am not overweight do not smoke, have 50% rating for ptsd go for my c&p exam next week, I will probably get denied the va loves to deny vets

Hi, Chisholm Chisholm & Kirkpatrick LTD I am currently receiving service connection disability for Asthma, however I do have a VA diagnosis for sleep apnea. I was prescribed a CPAC machine from the VA. The VA declined my sleep apnea claim because I was in the National Guard when I was diagnosed. What should I do? What advice can you give me. I do snore in my sleep as well as experience lack of sleep.

I smashed my face in service and they fixed my nose in service is that an in service event? And I SNORE loudly and have forever (since leaving the service in 1973 and I’m normal weight not overweight), just never realized that that’s what sleep apnea was. Also I’m an insomniac but the service said I don’t have a service connection, are these two related?

Is a buddy letter and sleep apnea diagnose after service enough evidence to get rated? I also now have CPAP machine.

No Nexus letter required if you go to a C&P exam. C&P exam in and of itself is a Nexus cause they’ll make the connection.

Please am interested about topic kindly assist me getting a places to sleeping

I'm service connect for PTSD and I was dienosed with sleep apnea many times in service and at Va hospital in Indiana and at the VA hospital in the Philippines last dienosed was three months ago I use a sleep apnea machine given to me by VA hospital in Indianapolis Indiana I have asked for the results many times still have not received the results need advice

Can MDD be a link?

What if I don’t have medical records about symptoms for sleep apnea but I have been diagnosed with it after service

Sleep study and device for 2 years documented issues in service, still denied 3 times

I'm currently service connected for Hypertension and I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and I'm having issues trying to get the sleep apnea rated as secondary to my hypertension.

Why would I need. C&P exam, if my doctor has filled out the BDQ, and provided a Nexus letter?