Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Learn more about how VA Claims Insider can help you get the rating you DESERVE!Speak with a VA Disability expert and start for FREE! A current diagnosis of sleep apnea, as confirmed by a sleep study; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. You provide evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or aggravation. By law, there are three elements that must be satisfied for Sleep Apnea Secondary VA Claims: The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Many veterans have or develop Sleep Apnea and common signs and symptoms include: If you suffer from any of these symptoms, its highly recommended to see a doctor right away. Diastolic CHF: Diastolic CHF occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff. 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. shampoo for damaged hair. In 2020, Sleep Apnea VA ratings range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 30% and 50%. This causes discomfort and inflammation. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Were seeing veterans coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the southwest Asia theater of war with severe sleep issues, which can oftentimesbe linked to PTSD. You have a medical diagnosis of a disability condition. However, in February 2022, VA proposed changes that would reclassify sleep apnea ratings to 0 percent, 10 percent, 30 percent, or 50 percent, with 100 percent for sleep apnea seeming even harder to qualify for. The DBQ allows an examiner at a C&P exam to check boxes next to descriptions that best express how your sleep apnea is affecting you. Veterans with Ischemic Heart Disease are nearly three times as likely to develop congestive heart failure as those without. existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. What happens during a C&P exam for sleep apnea? I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure, which is greater than the surrounding air, through a mask while the veteran is sleeping. Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients #3. Some of these symptoms include sleep deprivation, insomnia, hyperarousal, and daytime sleepiness. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. The most common symptoms include: There are a multitude of potential causes of sleep apnea in adults, but in veterans specifically, the causes could include: To confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea, a sleep study must be given to show that you are experiencing breathing problems, and other sleep disorders and health problems have been ruled out. Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. 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. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever condition has the higher rating. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other tissues. medical diagnosis of sleep apnea while on active duty and you never did a sleep The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend the section of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule) that addresses the cardiovascular system. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. Arrhythmias occur when the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively, which can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while Some experts believe that hypertension may contribute to ischemic heart disease, but the exact relationship between the two conditions is unclear. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve! study from a VA doctor or a private doctor. To be able to provide a nexus linking their sleep apnea to the secondary condition. Several conditions may qualify for disability compensation, including heart disease. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. It is intended that the DBQs will be completed by the Veteran's health care provider. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. I chalked it up to long work hours, stress from the job, a deployment, and various mental health issues. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. 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. One of the main risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity, which other conditions like ischemic heart disease can also cause. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. This sleep-disordered breathing leads to poor sleep quality and is a risk factor for the poor quality of life. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Although all of these symptoms contribute to the interaction betweensleep apnea and PTSD, the main culprits seem to be sleep deprivation and chronic stress. Veterans, do you think you might have Sleep Apnea? For now, these ratings are merely a proposal so stay tuned to this page while we update. A showing of causation requires that the Why? Its vital the physician performing your exam gets a MET (metabolic equivalent of task) test done for ANY heart condition. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. In addition to being a secondary condition to ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias can also be caused by other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. you were on active duty, and furthermore, you probably didnt even know what Heart disease is a general term used to describe various heart conditions. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Chronic sinusitis has also been linked to military burn pit exposure and is a presumptive condition for veterans who served in qualifying locations and time periods. Some of the most common secondary conditions include sleep apnea, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and valvular heart disease. The chemical has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and ischemic heart disease. we represent clients nationwide. As such, veterans who are service connected for tinnitus may be eligible for secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and vice-versa. 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. Claire Szewczyk Updated: November 7, 2022. If you need a Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor to service connect your VA sleep apnea claim secondary to another disability, click HERE now and complete our FREE 3-step intake. Does Sleep Apnea Cause Coronary Artery Disease? Trials such as SAVE (Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints), RICCADSA (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure [CPAP] Treatment in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea), and CERCAS (Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on the Incidence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Events in Nonsleepy Patients With You can increase the chances of successfully demonstrating a service connection by completing the three parts of the Caluza triangle: It can also be important to document and disclose your Severity of Symptoms in terms of their frequency, severity, and duration. Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. How do I prove VA disability for sleep apnea? 1-2017, at 2-7 (Jan. 6, hypertension and sleep apnea on a secondary basis. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! *Cases of left-sided CHF can be further classified into one of two sub-types, characterized by the manner in which the ventricle is affected: This guide is intended to provide an overview of the most common conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that Epidemiological research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increases in the incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. 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. Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder, whereby breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 It puts extra strain on the heart and can damage the arteries. When I was on active duty, I had a ton of sleep issues, but I never realized those symptoms might have been due to an underlying sleep apnea condition. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past? Service connection on a secondary basis requires Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). One type of heart disease is valvular heart disease, which occurs when one or more of the hearts valves are damaged. 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. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent complete and partial upper airway obstructive events, resulting in intermittent hypoxemia, autonomic fluctuation, and sleep fragmentation. Third, on August 22, 2002, VA published proposed changes to 4.100 that, while providing a basis to include consideration of LVEF and CHF in the cardiac disability evaluation, also clarified that VA does not require all three tests ( i.e., METs, CHF, and LVEF) in order to evaluate a cardiac disability. Several conditions can occur as a result of ischemic heart disease. Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which a persons breathing is repeatedly interrupted, or ceases, during the course of a nights sleep. Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects about22 million people nationwide. The following are the different ratings that can be assigned to heart conditions: All heart conditions are rated on the General Rating Formula unless otherwise noted. Prior to the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file so they are familiar with the veterans case. While it is often possible to control hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication, some people with hypertension also develop ischemic heart disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked or narrowed. 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. of hypertrophy or dilatation. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus. While some individuals with breathing disorders may show improvement from lifestyle changes, breathing assistance devices such as CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), BiPap machines, etc. The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to, or the result of, a service-connected disability. Check out our Philips CPAP Recall page here! The American Academy of Sleep Medicine puts it simply. The second part can be satisfied with a Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. Physicians will treat sleep apnea depending on the type and severity of the condition. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type of sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and fail to keep the upper airway open, which prevents you from breathing properly. 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. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. Several studies have shown an increased risk of ischemic heart disease among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. You may be eligible for benefits if you have a service-related heart condition requiring treatment with a stent. But, maybe theres a better way to Quick note: You MUST have a medical diagnosis of As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Typically, sleep apnea symptoms are at their worst during REM Sleep due to the bodys naturally-occurring reduced muscle tone in the bodys airway. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Generally, to establish service connection, the veteran needs to submit three things to VA: Veterans can submit a claim for service connection on VA From 21-526EZ. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Specifically, both anxiety and depression can be linked to sleep apnea. Providers Overview Location Reviews Providers Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP), Medical Nexus Letter, aka, Independent Medical Opinion (IMO). If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. During the exam, the examiner may evaluate both the primary and secondary condition. Loud Snoring. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. The main problem is that you didnt get a They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. sleep apnea and that must be confirmed by a sleep study (its okay if this Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain either does not send signals to the muscles that control breathing or those signals are interrupted. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. It can happen multiple times throughout the night, leading to serious health problems like fatigue, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Theres no data that shows the average VA rating for ischemic heart disease. Another type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. This type of exam is meant to assess the cause and the severity of the veterans condition, as well as the connection to the primary service-connected disability. If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors for ischemic heart disease. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. Usually, a sleep specialist will monitor the veterans breathing overnight for a sleep study. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Gasping For Air. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. To receive benefits, you will need to file a claim and get service-connected for it. An ischemic heart exam, commonly called a stress test, can provide your doctor with important information about your heart health. Well help you gather the evidence and documentation you need to have the best chance of winning your claim. Veterans who develop heart conditions due to military service may be entitled to disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Specifically, VA uses 38 CFR 4.104 Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7101. Contact the VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys and claims agents at CCK today at 800-544-9144. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These changes may lead to clogged arteries and poor heart muscle function. The apparent variation in susceptibility to sleepiness, cognitive deficits, and cardiovascular disease for any given apnea-hypopnea index level suggests a need to develop improved measurements of disease and to Tinnitus is known as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 1 It is a serious public health problem due to its many comorbidities, including an increased risk to coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). You're not alone. How hard is it to get VA disability for sleep apnea? High Blood Pressure Secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What Veterans Should Know Are you suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension? It can be due to plaque buildup, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Symptoms of asthma can include: Research has indicated that people who have asthma are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? 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. 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. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a persons breathing repeatedly starts and stops during sleep. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. 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. Therefore, veterans who are service connected for sleep apnea can become secondary service-connected for their GERD, and vice versa. The VA will consider the severity of the veterans symptoms. Prec. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. The disability compensation ranges from $152.64- 3,332.06 (rates based on veteran alone). any private medical records. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%. So the brain tells the body to wake up just enough to tighten the muscles and unblock the air passage. Allergic Rhinitis. G.C. Your medical records should include all treatment received for your condition before and after your discharge from the military. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Id. WebAfter first reading these examples, the obvious answer is that the private examiners opinion in VA sleep apnea claim #2 was what made the difference. Sleep apnea is rated under 38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central Mixed). Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. VA Form 21-686c: A Quick 8-Step Guide For Veterans. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. This machine then allows the upper airway passages to remain open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring. Or, if you served continuously for at least 90 days and are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) So, heres the opinion of VA Claims Insider: If you did NOT have a sleep study while on active duty and you did NOT get a diagnosis of sleep apnea on active duty, you should attempt to service connect your sleep apnea VA claim secondary to another service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing cardiomyopathies. What Are the Different VA Heart Condition Ratings? Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. Repeated surges in blood pressure levels can damage the lining of the blood vessels, and sleep disturbances can also raise levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and other blood fats. The proposed changes incorporate medical advances that have occurred since the last review, update medical terminology, and clarify evaluation criteria Cardiomyopathies often lead to abnormalities in heart function, including arrhythmias, chamber dilation, and reduced pumping ability. Since this Recognizing and Addressing An Underrated Veteran Disability Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is sexual harassment and or sexual assault experienced by a military service member. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. yet assertive representation for our clients. a medical nexus or link that shows the veterans sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness.