Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. 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. It is intended that the DBQs will be completed by the Veteran's health care provider. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. Sleep Apnea VA 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. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. This process may be repeated over and over again during the night. 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? Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Some of these symptoms include sleep deprivation, insomnia, hyperarousal, and daytime sleepiness. Coronary Artery Disease A Secondary Analysis of the RICCADSA Trial. Its vital the physician performing your exam gets a MET (metabolic equivalent of task) test done for ANY heart condition. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Do I Need a Spousal Letter to Support My Sleep Apnea VA Claim? WebIf you are diagnosed with a chronic disease within one year of active -duty release, you should apply for disability compensation. As an Intelligence Officer, she led teams of analysts to apply advanced analytic skills to identify, assess, and report potential threats to U.S. forces. 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. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your doctor will monitor your hearts electrical activity and blood flow. Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while 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. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. It can be due to plaque buildup, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. >> Click HERE now to get your FREE copy of my eBook: The Insiders Guide to VA Claims for Sleep Apnea. <<. yet assertive representation for our clients. This could be because both asthma and sleep apnea affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts. ==> Click HERE to apply for FREE:www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com <==. Secondary What made the difference was that the veteran inVA sleep apnea claim #1 lacked ANY lay evidence of sleep apnea symptomatology from service to diagnosis. In order to establish direct service connection for sleep apnea, a claimant must show that they have: A veteran can also establish service connection for sleep apnea on asecondarybasis. 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! How do I prove VA disability for sleep apnea? How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! WebMCV Associates Physicians is a medical group practice located in Richmond, VA that specializes in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and General Surgery. High Blood Pressure Secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What Veterans Should Know Are you suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension? They are a leading cause of heart failure and death worldwide and are one of the common secondary conditions in veterans with ischemic heart disease. It is much more VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Common Symptoms in Veterans, Sleep Apnea and Secondary Service Connection, Sleep Apnea VA Claim SECRETS *LIVE* with VA Claims Insider. The obvious answer is the wrong answer. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. For years, the elephant in the room in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities has been sleep apnea. for Rating Disabilities: The Cardiovascular System Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Sinusitis also affects the nose, throat, and head, much like sleep apnea. a medical nexus or link that shows the veterans sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex and heterogeneous common chronic disease characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway collapse, affecting 40%60% of patients with ACS [1, 2]. If a veteran is service-connected for anxiety or depression, they may be able to receive secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. Secret hack: You can also order a sleep study Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Earlier studies estimated the prevalence of OSA in heart failure with reduced EF to be 12-15%, while the prevalence of central sleep apnea (CSA) was between 37-38%. Under the current rating schedule, VA issues ratings at 0, 30, 50, 100 percent for sleep apnea even if treatments are somewhat effective in dealing with the condition. Sleep apnea is sleep disorder that affects a persons breathing during the course of the night. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. Medical evidence and documented medical records from a VAC&P exam will be necessary for the process of filing your claim and could even reveal other secondary conditions. You have a nexus (or link) between #1 and #2 via competent medical evidence, such as a Nexus Letter. 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Therefore, veterans who are service connected for sleep apnea can become secondary service-connected for their GERD, and vice versa. Heres the deal Lets begin today's post with the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): It is HARD to get service connected for Sleep Apnea secondary to Depression. Maybe youve gained a significant amount of weight due to your other service connected disabilities, which has limited your ability to walk, run, or workout, and this is the interim link to secondary service connection due to weight gain (obesity). Symptoms of sinusitis often include: Chronic sinusitis can also cause nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, and recurring respiratory tract infections. One of the main risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity, which other conditions like ischemic heart disease can also cause. Study Impact: Our findings reveal a close relationship between the atherosclerosis-related burden measured by the coronary artery calcium score and the severity of sleep apnea that persisted after adjusting for confounding variables related to the risk of coronary artery disease. Further compounding the issue is there seems to These machines create airway pressure to help the individual breathe throughout the night. An ischemic heart exam, commonly called a stress test, can provide your doctor with important information about your heart health. There are many common conditions that can be caused or aggravated by sleep apnea. service-connect your sleep apnea claim even if youve already filed or been The severity of the sleep disorder directly impacts diabetes symptoms, they say. Since sleep apnea can correlate with conditions like heart disease and obesity, its important to seek treatment options. Theres no data that shows the average VA rating for ischemic heart disease. It will also look at any treatment received to determine the appropriate rating. Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients sleep apnea was during you service. sleep apnea When someone has sleep apnea, their body doesnt get the oxygen it needs. WebThe diagnostic criteria for a VA sleep apnea claim, found in the Code of Federal Regulations, have not changed. interim link to secondary service connection due to weight gain (obesity). Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! High Blood Pressure. How hard is it to get VA disability for sleep apnea? Heart disease is a general term used to describe various heart conditions. Common examples of PTSD symptoms include the following: Researchshows that veterans with PTSD have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Research has shown that combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, also known asPTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You would need a diagnosis and a medical nexus letter that will link your condition to your service or service-connected disability. Need an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to help service-connect your sleep apnea VA claim? Arrhythmias are a common symptom of ischemic heart disease and can often be a sign that the condition is progressing. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Congestive heart failure is a common complication of ischemic heart disease. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Agent Orange is a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Cardiomyopathies often lead to abnormalities in heart function, including arrhythmias, chamber dilation, and reduced pumping ability. Veterans, in this post I list more than 40+ possible sleep apnea secondary conditions so veterans can win, service-connect, and rate your sleep apnea VA claim in less time. A current diagnosis of sleep apnea, as confirmed by a sleep study; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? 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. 2 3 The main known risk factors for OSA are obesity, male gender, high age, increased neck She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most. An MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 5.1 to 7.0 METs. 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. It puts extra strain on the heart and can damage the arteries. of hypertrophy or dilatation. 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. G.C. A 60% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.1 to 5.0 METs. If youre a veteran with ischemic heart disease and struggling to get the rating you deserve, the expert coaches at VA Claims Insider can help you file for a VA rating. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. 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. Sleep apnea A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately caused by or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability. a showing of causation. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. However, sometimes a VA C&P examiner (such as a Nurse Practitioner) will call you on the telephone and conduct an Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) exam review of your Sleep Apnea claim. The major problem for your sleep apnea VA claim, however, is that you probably were NOT diagnosed with sleep apnea on active duty. It can cause a Heart Attack, the most common type of valvular heart disease. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a persons breathing repeatedly starts and stops during sleep. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Your Sleep Apnea VA Rating A Guide to Getting a VA Disability Rating for Sleep Apnea, Top 10 Questions About Military Sexual Trauma (MST), A post shared by VA Claims Insider (@vaclaimsinsider). Treatment for arrhythmias usually focuses on addressing the underlying condition and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Pursuant to Diagnostic Code 6847, VA disability ratings for Sleep Apnea are as follows: Sleep Apnea is rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed): 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed): Many veterans with Sleep Apnea, especially those who were diagnosed long after leaving the military, might still be eligible if medical evidence shows your Sleep Apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability such as musculoskeletal conditions and/or mental health conditions. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. aggravated by another service-connected disability. In addition, the stress test can also help your doctor determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has. Bringing someone with you to the appointment may also be useful. 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. If your heart is healthy, it can pump enough blood to meet the increased demand. Knowing what to look for and how to manage these conditions can help you stay healthy and live a full life. Veterans who develop heart conditions due to military service may be entitled to disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are two types of congestive heart failure: Right-sided CHF: Right-sided CHF develops when the right ventricle struggles to deliver blood to the lungs. UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) - Compensation Call Us for a Free Evaluation (888) 573-7838. . In other, more severe cases, a doctor may need to prescribe a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine. sleep Several studies have shown an increased risk of ischemic heart disease among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Positive Airway Pressure Treatment and Depression in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. you were on active duty, and furthermore, you probably didnt even know what Bad Secret Change to VA Sleep Apnea If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. sleep apnea In some cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be recommended to help prevent sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. 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. Schedule for Rating Disabilities: The Cardiovascular System A polysomnogram at a sleep center might be preferred if you have heart or lung disease, risk factors for central sleep apnea or a history of other sleep disorders. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Or, if you served continuously for at least 90 days and are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), or coronary heart disease, is a condition that occurs when an artery supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked or narrowed. Many veterans are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and thereforewith an effective claim that includes the right evidenceshould be eligible for a sleep apnea VA rating. The lungs arent getting fresh air. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! for active duty military members. 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. medical diagnosis of sleep apnea while on active duty and you never did a sleep Proper detection and treatment of sleep apnea might Diabetes Mellitus and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Over time, hypertension can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. any private medical records. Okay, lets explore how you can service connect sleep apnea secondary. They can also occur due to other conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Dry Mouth. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. #2: It crosses the uvula that dangling thing in the back of your throat. These secondary conditions can significantly impact a patients quality of life and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. 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 If your VA claim was denied, we may be able to assist you. The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. You provide evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or aggravation. As blood backs up into the blood vessels, the body starts to retain fluid in the abdomen and lower body. When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine, Compensation and Pension Exams for Secondary Service Connection, Common Secondary Conditions to Sleep Apnea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary to Sleep Apnea, Mental Health Conditions Secondary to Sleep Apnea, Secondary Service Connection & Aggravation, VA Disability Benefits for Secondary Conditions to Depression, VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Disorders, How to WIN Your Sleep Apnea VA Disability Claim, Hypersomnolence, or excessive daytime sleepiness. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Disability terminology chart. Sleep Apnea 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. WebThis is called hypopnea (decreased breathing) or apnea (meaning no breathing). 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 Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War are at an increased risk for developing ischemic heart disease, and many receive disability benefits as a result. Nexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. WebA study of data on hypertension patients in the VA healthcare system indicates that blood pressure control has improved significantly and substantially over time, but that many patients have less than optimal blood pressure control (Borzecki et al. There are many different symptoms that go, Sleep apnea is a common medical condition that can be caused by many different factors, including conditions like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While we still have our home base in Florida, Since that time, we have provided compassionate Check out our post on sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD here! 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. R. at 7. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. are still among the most common treatments. WebLets look a little deeper at OSA for a minute Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by far the most common type of Sleep Apnea that affects veterans. Loud Snoring. 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.. You might also like the following Blog posts about Sleep Apnea: #2. CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim. If your VA rating is higher (30 - 100%), consider filing a claim. shampoo for damaged hair. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is also sometimes known as deep sleep. 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. If the first half of the nights results confirm you have sleep apnea, the second half of the night will utilize the PAP device to prepare you for ongoing treatment. Is Hypertension Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease? 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. The VA rates ischemic heart disease under the General Rating Formula for Heart Conditions with a range from 10% to 100%. In this case, there must be a medical nexus to link the sleep apnea to their already service-connected disability. 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. Veterans, do you think you might have Sleep Apnea? Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with sleep apnea? 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. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved.