You're welcome! And sober life can be wonderful ☺️ #drinkwater

Thank you! I've been away for the last year, but just getting back to making some videos. If you have any requests left me know!

Glad it was helpful!

Speak it bro,

Oh my GOD. I felt this!

Lmao! Just seeing this, favorite comment!

😂😂😂

You're so welcome!

Thank you so much 😀 Please like and share, it really supports my little channel

Thank you for your support!!

Thanks for the sub!

That's awesome that you were able to get a sleep study in service, so many miss out on that opportunity! I can actually help with the migraine diagnosis! I can refer you to someone through our program that can help you get a diagnosis for migraines and then we could work on a nexus letter to get that service connected. Just let me know :)

Check to see if your cpap is off gassing a chemical giving you headaches. I have that crazy chemical multisensitivity. Fabric softeners, perfumes, plastics, fuels.

I just started accepting clients again! You can message me at laura@theveteran.coach

Stay in the fight!

@@TheVeteranCoach Laura, question. I have both sleep apnea ( c-pap) and tinnitus. Both are service-connected. That said, I get migraines due to both conditions. Poor quality of sleep also makes me really tired, isomia, gained weight. This weight gain affects my joints, in my ankles, knees and hips and back pain. Varicose veins on my leg and stomach also I feel come from my weight. All these problems are becoming harder to deal, with as I get older. All this problems makes me depress,anxiety, to a point that affects my relationships, friends and my wife. Any advice on how to approach all these secondary claims. Thank you for your time Frank

@@Emet5772 hope you got some help buddy, I do alot of praying...

If you need some help along your claim journey, feel free to message us or comment here. laura@theveteran.coach

Bryan, you got that right! I wish these raters walked a month in our shoes when we were in the Corps. Keep fighting brother, Semper FI!

A nexus letter is a letter by a medical professional who is able to write in their professional medical opinion that your medical condition/injury was more likely that not caused or made worse by the service connected issue you are linking it to. It cannot be a personal statement, although personal statements do assist in other ways, and I have all of my clients write them. I would be happy to do a quick review to see if one of my preferred medical teams may be able to assist. Many doctors are not educated on the process and write crap nexus letters and opinions, but I know the best in the business and can set you in the right direction! Reach out via laura@theveteran.coach if you are interested in a free consult.

The only time that is true is if a mental health claim is attempted as a secondary claim to an already service connected mental health condition. Example: You cannot claim anxiety secondary to PTSD; those would be lumped together. However, you can claim acid reflux secondary to PTSD if your PTSD medication causes GERD etc, etc :)

Hey there! Yes, the letter will definitely help support your claim, there are big connections between mental health and sleep apnea.

@@TheVeteranCoach thank you!

i have 60%hearing loss also i have tinnists have do uyou file for tinnisrts

@@chasumm I recently filed for it and I am just waiting on the decision letter

Absolutely! If the medications that caused your kidney issues were for a service connected issue, it is 100% grounds for a secondary claim!

Let me know if you have any other questions :)

I was diagnosed with an unspecified sleeping disorder and learning disability of an unknown nature. This was in 1993 while I was in the mental health clinic in the Army. These diagnoses don't even exist anymore in the ICDM.

Have you done a registry exam with an environmental coordinator? That would be a great starting point. Diagnosis, proof of exposure, and proof of current symptoms should get your presumptive service connection if your issues are on the list. Let me know if you have other questions! www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp

I would highly suggest filing a supplemental claim to appeal their decision. I would include all of the information that you listed as well as a personal statement in support explaining your time in service and your medical conditions now. All of this will be considered "new evidence" and will open the door for (hopefully) a speedy decision on a supplemental!!

This explains a bit about the appeals process. Its not as daunting as it used to be! If you need any help, you can email anytime. laura@theveteran.coach kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bcuorbqqna2beHU.html

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iNaifdWlyMm7kmg.html

@@TheVeteranCoach thank you very much!

Not yet, but coming soon!

It's never too late to appeal!! You just won't get the backpay if you wait longer than the one year window.

I would file a claim for Tinnitus and once SC'd for Tinnitus secondary Migraines to Tinnitus. If your MOS is in the High catagory on the DUTY MOS NOISE EXPOSURE LISTING you have a good chance to get SC'd for Tinnitus. You just have to Tell them the things you were exposed to that would cause the tinnitus and that it happened in service and has continued to today.

You can definitely file a claim secondary to your environmental exposure. The Burn Bit registry is in its beginning stages so its not the easiest process just yet, but the VA is finally recognizing that the burn pits had lasting health effects.

@@TheVeteranCoach so here's the update I just saw today on ebenfits. They service connected Gerd/Ibs together at 30%. They denied sleep apnea for connection.

Sleep apnea and tinnitus do not have any medical connection/causation

I do not, I am a separate company! Patriot Consulting LLC :)

How do I get in touch with you?

Email laura@theveteran.coach anytime

Always worth claiming! Especially if it's a continuous issue

Yes, I have successfully helped veterans win with this exact claim strategy, although it can be difficult. I highly recommend that a specifically trained medical provider write you a nexus letter in order to win your claim

If you have proof of migraines in-service, I would go the direct route as secondaries often require a medical nexus to link.

@TheVeteranCoach ok thanks you very much!! I appreciate the feedback...

An ablation is a medical procedure, not a medical condition. What issues are you experiencing?

You will need that final piece of the puzzle to get it service connected, which would be a nexus letter to link/prove the connection between your depression/anxiety and your sleep apnea.

Eli has been my patient for xx years. I am Dr Jolly Green, MD internal medicine for 1000 years. From my professional opinion IT IS AS LIKELY AS NOT Elias sleep apnea is caused by his depression/anxiety. I have also reviewed his depression/anxiety report.

Juliet, It can be difficult to get an issue service connected with no medical evidence in your military records, but not impossible! Any evidence of the incident/accident etc is going to help support your claim, but you will also want to include other "links" to your service to include a personal statement and witness statements if possible.

If your secondary issues are "life threatening" or be considered a cause of death, then yes! If you pass away from a service connected medical issue/injury your family will receive survivor benefits. If you pass away from a not service-connected issue, they will not.

There are ways to do that, yes!

Having someone take a look at your decision letters would be a great starting point. You may or may not need a nexus letter, depending on the reason for denial. We are happy to help with referrals and strategies if you need a professional set of eyes! laura@theveteran.coach

Also my diagnosis is through civilian doc not va does that make a difference?

Which diagnosis is through a civilian?

Literature support the link between PTSD and HBP. Incontinence could be a possible secondary due to medication side effects, depending on your personal situation. Often times, a nexus letter would be helpful in proving that link to your service. You could certainly file for an increase on your PTSD. I would recommend preparing for a C&P exam as well as submitting new evidence; medial records of counseling/meds/personal statement etc to ensure they don't try to reduce your rating :)

​​@TheVeteranCoachi ncontinence, hbp, major depressive disorder and copd is through civilian doctor

Sleep apnea is normally only rated and compensated for if you are prescribed/have to use a c-pap machine. Are the pills for sleep apnea or insomnia? Feel free to email me at laura@theveteran.coach if you prefer not to respond here :)

Hi there! We would be more than happy to take a look at your case. Email me at laura@theveteran.coach

Hey there! If you are already 100% permanent and total, I only recommend filing for conditions that are deemed life threatening, as your family may be paid survivor benefits if you pass from a service connected condition. Otherwise, conditions like GERD may open up other claims for reevaluation or reduction if you are not permanent and total.

If there is a causation link between your sleep apnea and your reflux it can be claimed as a secondary! The need to use medication to manage your symptoms actually helps your case, and you should continue to document your episodes etc, as frequency of symptoms is also a factor in your rating.

I definitely recommend waiting for your decision. A nexus isn't always necessary, but often times can help overturn a previous denial. Hang in there and if you need help please reach out anytime with questions laura@theveteran.coach

@@TheVeteranCoach I sincerely appreciate your fast response…Thanks

To receive compensation you will still require a diagnosis, and have to apply and be evaluated for the benefits. You will want to start by getting on the burn pit registry, I actually have a video coming out soon discussing how to start this process! Once you have your documentation/diagnosis and you are on their registry, the application process is relatively easy! Let me know if you have questions :)

Which app? Migraine Buddy is still an active one! I also suggest "Symptom Tracker" for generic issues if you aren't able to find the GERD tracker app, it seems to be gone for me also.

Depends on what conditions we are talking about. Send me an email at laura@theveteran.coach !

If you didn't have the dianosis for the acid reflux during the service, you will want to file secondary to the service connected issue(s) that you take the meds for.

How did you go about filling your sleep apnea and migraines?

Yes it can! It can cause spasms in the throat (obstructing the airway)

@@TheVeteranCoach Awesome!!! Thank you so much!!!

You can claim something secondary to multiple conditions, yes. You cannot however claim mental health secondary to mental health. You can only have one mental health rating.

@@TheVeteranCoach can yoy do a mock run through?

There is indeed medical literature that supports this claim, and I have helped veterans prove it! This can be a battle, but doable!

@@TheVeteranCoach Could you please tell me how to access this medical literature?

The most recent one I've had clients use is GERDHelp :)

There are lots of issues that can be secondary. Do you take medications that cause any gastric/stomach issues etc?

Sleep Apnea is not recognized as a sleep condition, but rather an obstructive respiratory condition that, in turn, affects your sleep. The evidence of sleep issues in service can possibly help with a direct service connection, but I wouldn't count on it (I'm very honest and OSA is deneid 85% of the time). That evidence would be MUCH more helpful if you file an insomnia claim!

@@TheVeteranCoach Thanks for the reply. Here is what was said in the last most recent C& P : MEDICAL OPINION 1 OF 3) PLEASE COMPLETE SECTION THREE AND STATE WHETHER THE VETERAN’S MEDICAL RECORDS SUPPORT THAT ANY CURRENTLY DIAGNOSED CONDITION(S) RELATED TO THE VETERAN’S CLAIMED SLEEP APNEA, IS/ARE AT LEAST AS LIKELY AS NOT (LIKELIHOOD IS AT LEAST APPROXIMATELY BALANCED OR NEARLY EQUAL, IF NOT HIGHER) INCURRED IN OR CAUSED BY THE CAFFEINE INDUCED SLEEP DISORDER DURING SERVICE. The claimed condition diagnosed as SLEEP APNEA, was at least as likely than not (more than 50 percent probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in service injury, event, or illness as per my review of STRs as dated evidence was found for complaints of SLEEP APNEA. Per the following evidence in STRs: Medical Encounter on 24 Jun 2013 (pg.1757 of C-file) But they said less likely to secondary. But I have a Nexus letter from my VA DR. So this would be direct connection? My VWF VSO said this is 2 positive opinions (With my VA DR's Nexus opinion) VS 1 previous negative opinion from the first VES C&P on the initial claim. Do you agree with my VSO that I should get direct service connection now?

@NATEDOG001976 correct, it should be listed as a "favorable finding" in your decision letter, but you'd likely have to appeal as a direct service connection. I'd also take that evidence and file a new insomnia claim as a direct service connection.

@@TheVeteranCoach My VSO said they will try and directly connect you first, even if they deny the secondary connection. This is currently in Supplemental (7 months) So file a direct Insomnia claim also, on top of this claim? is what you are saying?

I my have to do a separate video for this one! Migraines are the #1

You can file your migraines secondary to both your tinnitus and your PTSD if both are aggravating your migraines. The more disabilities that you have that show a link with your secondary issues, the stronger your case is.

@@TheVeteranCoach wish you were my coach. Mine is MIA.

@@TheVeteranCoach I emailed support and told them you were very helpful answering my questions. Maybe you can follow up with them?

Who told you that your records were lost? Have you done an official request for your entire c-file?

@@TheVeteranCoach I just did a request this month. I was told that in 2018. So I was denied everything. I had GI issues while in the military now I’m in an acute state with GI issues

Hopefully this request will pull through for you! If medical records aren't an option, personal statements and buddy statements do hold weight with the VA, especially if you have multiple individuals who were were witness or knowledgeable to your conditions.

What's going on bro, I'm going to my C&P exam tomorrow and I claimed sinusitis. What should I expect at the C&P? Thank you,

@@russell311000 when I went two months ago. The dr. just asked me questions about what I deal with and asked about the surgery I had while in the service. She looked over my file and asked questions from my file is all. Wish you luck TyRu.

If you didn't have the diagnosis/sleep study in service, they may admit you have Sleep apnea, but deny responsibility or "service connection". There are ways to appeal however, it's just a bit of a process

@@TheVeteranCoach thank you--I requested the SS in service 3 times, and complained of OSA symptoms. PCM never ordered SS because clinics were shut down d/t covid. I may talk to vso to help decide to appeal further for HLR or supplemental. Filing as secondary condition d/t allergic rhinitis/deviated septum

So, say i do an HLR and they deny that service connection--is there an appeal route after that? Does a guy run out of appeal routes?

@@SuperMulletguy I wouldn't recommend the HLR for this case, I would do a supplemental claim with new evidence. You can continuously appeal with supplemental claims until the end of time. You can only HLR something once.

@@TheVeteranCoach Ok; I'm considering a new PCM visit, perhaps a nexus letter, and then use that as supplemental material. Thank you for the advice--I appreciate it.

Anytime! Have you already filed?

I have a 40% lower lumbar, my rep tried to claim urinary frequency secondary to erectile Dysfunction without my approval so it was denied. Since then I have urinary incontinence as well still urinary frequency

I am not a doctor, and don't write nexus letters but I do know the best in the business!

There is no medical connection between sleep apnea and tinnitus. Regardless of what buddy letter or personal statement you provide, they will say there is not medical link between the two.

Do you have a current diagnosis for your migranes?

@@TheVeteranCoach I think so. My medication for them is prescribed by the VA. I also just did my lung testing to see what I have from the burn pits. I also am now diagnosed with OSA through VA. But apparently VA docs can’t do Nexus statements. So I need to find a doc for that.

Laura@theveteran.coach

Its usually a conflict of interest for a VA provider to give a nexus. Outside providers who are educated and trained for this type of evaluation are highly recommended.

OK thanks!

Are you accepting new clients? In reference to writing actionable and sufficient nexus letters to support a disability claim?

I have seen the VA reduce a TBI rating because certain symptoms were overlapping which created the "pyramiding". HOWEVER, a mental health condition and a neurological injury are different and can/should be rated separately.

@TheVeteranCoach in my case, it would be the TBI rating being new because of long term effects. The Depression I have already been rated for over a decade. My TBI doctor recently mentioned to me that I should look into filing for it.

Hey there! Depends on what you need it for, and they aren't always necessary. What is your claim situation?

If we can help spread awareness on anything, we are happy to assist as well :)

Thank you so much friend from before times, somehow I feel unalone by your kind of efforts. Before it's too late, thank you for assisting with others, improvement while salvaging hope yether, like before times ago❤️

There isn't compensations specifically for weight gain. HOWEVER, weight gain can be an intermediary step between an existing disability and another. EX: Veteran is service connected for both knees and feet. Due to the inability to consistently exercise, the veteran has gained weight. The weight gain has then caused or aggravated the veteran's sleep apnea >> There is where the weight gain can be a driver for service connection.

@@TheVeteranCoach vet has ptsd, because of that, he eats alot

Mental health/PTSD/Depression can all lead to weight gain due to lack of activity, over-eating, as well as medication side effects etc. but this often needs to be supported and corroborated by a medical provider's opinion on your case specifically, or a NEXUS letter. The VA is a complicated beast, and even though many have won based off weight gain as an intermediary step, it is not an easy path

Hey there!

I was Army, Medical :)

I help alot of vets with va claims, I fought them for 20 years, and learned alot, I appreciate what u do. something alot of vets dont know, you can have a 40 degree primary highest rating, and still get tdiu.. I did it 10 years ago.

there are many things that are interesting, such as the law that states that if a veteran claims something hasppened to them while serving in a combat zone, the report must be considered truth, unless it is impossible to have happened.. in combat zones, u cant always see a doctor. nor do u have time to go on sick call if you knock your knee on something, jump off a rock and strain your back, ect.

when I was in desert storm, a group of us were sitting under a flatbed trailer in the shade, waiting on a 5 ton to take us somewhere.. we were under it for a long time,. when the truck came, I forgot I was under the flatbed, stood up, and knocked myself out.. I have neck and back injuries now. nerve issues.. they had to take it as truth.

@@TheVeteranCoach do u ever come thru texas?

Here you go: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jN5koM55nrDbfoU.html

The VA will only pay so much per area of issue, as they call it "pyramiding". They usually "replace" the lower rating with the higher, but the max rating I have ever seen someone get for respiratory is 60%, 50% for sleep apnea and they reduced the 30% asthma to 10% making it 60%.

1. Diagnosis 2. Current Symptoms 3. Link to your service 4. Proof that your symptoms his the 70% severity level. Being honest and vulnerable is key, you need to explain how your insomnia affects you, but also how your insomnia is caused or aggravated by your current service connected issue, whatever that may be. (pain/tinnitus/etc.)

@@TheVeteranCoach is there a different between "INSOMNIA" or "SLEEP APNEA" OSA or the same?

Hey there!! Send an email to laura@theveteran.coach and we will get you fixed up

Email is best> laura@theveteran.coach