For years, the elephant in the room in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities has been sleep apnea. All Rights Reserved. Anxiety and depression can interfere with a persons sleep patterns, as well as cause symptoms of hyperarousal or hypervigilance. Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? A medical nexus (i.e., link) between their sleep apnea and the in-service event, injury, or illness. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation youre owed by law. The third part can be satisfied with aMedical Nexus Letter, aka, Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)from a qualified medical professional. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 In fact, did you know U.S. military veterans are nearly four times (4x) as likely to have or develop sleep apnea when compared to those who didnt serve in the military? This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. VA Disability Ratings for Hypertension and Sleep Apnea Contact the VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys and claims agents at CCK today at 800-544-9144. 1-2017, at 2-7 (Jan. 6, hypertension and sleep apnea on a secondary basis. Heart disease is a general term used to describe various heart conditions. Trying to service-connect sleep apnea secondary to PTSD? This is because, while asleep, the body may not clear the veterans esophagus as it would when the veteran is awake, thereby exacerbating the veterans GERD. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most. As such, a veteran with anxiety and depression faces a higher risk of sleep apnea. If your heart is healthy, it can pump enough blood to meet the increased demand. Its estimated that patients with sleep apnea are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) than people without this condition. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. Sleep apnea How to Get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Anxiety (The Insiders Guide), Can I Get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Depression? Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University. This is likely due to a variety of factors related to service, such as exposure to noise, possibility of traumatic brain injury, and exposure to explosive devices like IEDs. This machine then allows the upper airway passages to remain open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring. Contact Us Studies have shown that war veterans exhibiting these symptoms tend to have increased frequency and length of apneic events that can be proven by a medical professional. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is too high. Congestive heart failure is a common complication of ischemic heart disease. Disability terminology chart. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. This blockage is caused when the back throat muscles relax, impairing the airflow. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease. Coronary Artery Disease Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. Two disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea and diabetes would seem to have no connection at all however the data can be surprising. People with sleep apnea who underwent coronary bypass surgery had a higher rate of complications than those without sleep apnea. sleep apnea was during you service. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. sleep a medical nexus or link that shows the veterans sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness. One of the most common causes of heart failure is ischemic heart disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked or narrowed. Because of this close relationship between ischemic heart disease and heart failure, its important for anyone diagnosed with one of these conditions to be closely monitored by a cardiologist. If the veteran has previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but has not undergone a sleep study, VAwill notconsider that diagnosis enough evidence to verify eligibility for compensation. Does Sleep Apnea Cause Coronary Artery Disease? VA sleep apnea claims have such different Additionally, GERD may contribute to sleep apnea, as acid in the esophagus can cause spasms in the vocal cords which may prompt sleep apnea. Some of the most common secondary conditions include sleep apnea, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and valvular heart disease. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. be resistance among military clinics worldwide from ordering-up sleep studies Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 The second part can be satisfied with a VA A veterans final VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, meaning, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for Sleep Apnea. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. PTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. While appellate litigation proceeded, the connection on direct or secondary bases because it did not qualify as a disease or injury. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. What Are the Different VA Heart Condition Ratings? Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. for active duty military members. Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. For instance, which pages you go to most. Headache. you were on active duty, and furthermore, you probably didnt even know what Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Heres a quick litmus test: If you snore during sleep, are tired during the day (maybe you take frequent naps), and stop/start breathing while sleeping (gasping for air), chances are you might have Sleep Apnea. Because the chamber must relax in order to fill with blood between contractions, this stiffness means that an inadequate amount of blood is available to pump to the rest of the body. Prior to the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file so they are familiar with the veterans case. If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors for ischemic heart disease. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. If you are the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who has passed away, youre eligible Average Disability Payment Agent Orange Ischemic Heart Disease, VA Secondary Conditions to Ischemic Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Heart Failure Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Arrhythmias Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Cardiomyopathies Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease, Valvular Heart Disease Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have irregular results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. VA BUT, you must act now, and you must get a sleep All clinician information blocks at the bottom of the DBQs must be completed and the form signed and dated by the clinician completing the DBQ. Several studies have shown an increased risk of ischemic heart disease among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. In addition, the stress test can also help your doctor determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has. denied? People with untreated sleep apnea are twice as likely to have a heart attack compared However, there has been a growing controversy over the amount of money the VA pays veterans afflicted with this condition, and an increasing lobby to get rid of compensation for it. Click the button below to start for FREE. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Since that time, we have provided compassionate How Does Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Affect Ischemic Heart Disease? Theres no data that shows the average VA rating for ischemic heart disease. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past? >> Click HERE now to get your FREE copy of my eBook: The Insiders Guide to VA Claims for Sleep Apnea. <<. People with ischemic heart disease are at an increased risk for developing valvular heart disease, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and get regular checkups.As mentioned previously with other heart conditions; although valvular heart disease can be filed secondary to IHD, the VA will not assign separate ratings. Generally, there are three types of sleep apnea: Oftentimes, the symptoms of the three types of sleep apnea can overlap, making diagnosis more difficult. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). As such, veterans can establish secondary service connection for hypothyroidism relating to sleep apnea. Call Us for a Free Evaluation (888) 573-7838. . 2019 The link between sleep apnea and PTSD is likely due to the fact that many factors which aggravate PTSD also aggravate sleep apnea. In order to determine whether you should be referred for a sleep study, a doctor will first perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms, and collect your personal and family history. These cookies do not store any personal information. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. at 4, 906. persona 5 character models. While the symptoms of heart failure can seem to come out of nowhere, the condition is often the result of another underlying cardiovascular problem. prove that there is a service connection. Why would a VA claim be denied Sleep Apnea? How does sleep apnea affect the heart If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever condition has the higher rating. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. If it has, there might be a rating reduction. 26,27 More recent studies have found an even higher prevalence of both CSA and OSA in heart failure patients. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. Service connection on a secondary basis requires Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. aggravated by another service-connected disability. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. If a veteran does not attend the exam, their claim can be denied. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Sleep Apnea Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Symptoms of GERD include: Veterans who suffer fromsleep apneamay find that the condition aggravates or causes GERD. Positive Airway Pressure Treatment and Depression in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In this post we'll explore how to get a service connected VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea secondary to Anxiety, even if you've already filed, been denied, or gave up. I chalked it up to long work hours, stress from the job, a deployment, and various mental health issues. The most common symptom of cardiomyopathy is shortness of breath, but patients may also experience fatigue, chest pain, and lightheadedness. The lungs arent getting fresh air. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. VA Sleep Apnea Claim Sleep Apnea 203, San Jose, CA 95134 WebObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a more common disorder than currently diagnosed in the clinic. Sleep apnea is sleep disorder that affects a persons breathing during the course of the night. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. All Rights Reserved. The third part can be satisfied with a medical A C&P exam and a sleep apnea diagnosis are crucial to qualifying for the upper tiers of compensation. The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. As a part of the VAs duty to assist veterans in obtaining evidence to help prove their claim, the VA has a duty to assist veterans in scheduling the examination for a sleep study and helping them realize the VA disability claim that they are entitled to. It can lead to a heart attack; over time, it can weaken the heart muscle and cause it to pump less efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other body parts, resulting in heart failures characteristic symptoms. diagnosis and sleep study occurred years AFTER leaving active duty). Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) - Compensation We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. WebAccording to Jeremy Tietjens, MD, a clinical fellow at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, sleep apnea is associated with a variety of cardiovascular conditions and outcomes, but the strongest associations are with high blood pressure, arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation), and heart failure.