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. Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. Sleep apnea is sleep disorder that affects a persons breathing during the course of the night. Filing a claim for secondary service connection is largely the same as filing a claim for primary service connection. To confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis for VA disability compensation purposes, VA requires that a sleep study be conducted. As such, the two conditions have been linked and veterans can receive secondary service connection for sinusitis linked to sleep apnea. 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. apnea condition or subjective complaints of sleep apnea.. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Many veterans attempt to service-connect sleep apnea as a primary disability condition and cant seem to figure our why the VA keeps denying your sleep apnea claim. Trying to service-connect sleep apnea secondary to PTSD? The most common VA rating for Sleep Apnea is 50%, which requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. 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. prove that there is a service connection. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. a medical nexus or link that shows the veterans sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Valvular heart disease is often a secondary condition to another form of heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease. aggravated by another service-connected disability. 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? Approximately 34% and 17% of middle-aged men and women, respectively, meet the diagnostic criteria for OSA. The test is usually performed while you are exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. Since that time, we have provided compassionate How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! You have a nexus (or link) between #1 and #2 via competent medical evidence, such as a Nexus Letter. 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. There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. What happens during a C&P exam for sleep apnea? This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. When the throat muscles are weakened due to asthma, there is a greater likelihood for the throat to collapse and create an obstruction of the airway. 1 Adults with OSA not only have an increased risk of developing comorbid CVD but also have worse outcomes related to CVD. PTSD, may be at higher risk for sleep apnea than the general population. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. If treatment for sleep apnea provides only limited alleviation, you will only receive ten percent of your maximum compensation, even if a CPAP machine is required. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. 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. you were on active duty, and furthermore, you probably didnt even know what The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. Additionally, there are some cases that the VA cannot schedule re-examinations: If you are interested in learning more about C&P examinations, check out our guide! The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. How Does Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Affect Ischemic Heart Disease? Secret hack: You can also order a sleep study Cardiomyopathies often lead to abnormalities in heart function, including arrhythmias, chamber dilation, and reduced pumping ability. You may need to undergo a Sleep Study to determine if you have Sleep Apnea. These machines create airway pressure to help the individual breathe throughout the night. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. 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. Symptoms of GERD include: Veterans who suffer fromsleep apneamay find that the condition aggravates or causes GERD. So if this proposed change for sleep apnea ratings goes through, its possible that veterans may start getting lowballed ratings. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The VA rates ischemic heart disease under the General Rating Formula for Heart Conditions with a range from 10% to 100%. This can range from CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and others. 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. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. 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%. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 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 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]. In other, more severe cases, a doctor may need to prescribe a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. People with sleep apnea who underwent coronary bypass surgery had a higher rate of complications than those without sleep apnea. 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). 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. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. 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 stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. This is called a split-night sleep study. 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). 2018 Jun;15 (6):4771-4776. doi: 10.3892/etm.2018.6070. 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. 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. 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. 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. Did you know there are more than 40+ conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? Service connection links your present disability and your active military service. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Many veterans suffer from various sleep conditions due to their military service, to include Sleep Apneaa sleep disorder whereby breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep (apneic episodes). Heart disease is a general term used to describe various heart conditions. All Rights Reserved. Click HERE to read now. In this post, we will be exploring how to get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Anxiety and depression can interfere with a persons sleep patterns, as well as cause symptoms of hyperarousal or hypervigilance. For example, maybe your Sleep Apnea so severe, that you have difficulty working and lose productivity throughout the day due to frequent napping. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other tissues. Bringing someone with you to the appointment may also be useful. 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. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 interim link to secondary service connection due to weight gain (obesity). Ann Am Thorac Soc. Proposed rating must be based on entire medical history, Must show there has been improvement in veterans functionality, If you have a rating that has remained the same for over five years (stabilized), If you have a total disability rating, meaning 100 percent rating. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. 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. 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. Allergic Rhinitis. With an audible gasp, breathing starts again. veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. any private medical records. Specifically, VA uses 38 CFR 4.104 Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7101. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. Asymptomatic sleep apnea would not be compensated under the tentative regulation. 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. CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. You may be eligible for benefits if you have a service-related heart condition requiring treatment with a stent. It can cause blood to leak back into the heart or flow in the wrong direction. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. service-connect your sleep apnea claim even if youve already filed or been Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. 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. Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a persons breathing repeatedly starts and stops during sleep. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. This means that a veteran has an already service-connected disability that caused the veteran to have sleep apnea. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. Do Heart Stents Qualify for VA Disability Benefits? WebThe diagnostic criteria for a VA sleep apnea claim, found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Search: Dbq Sleep Apnea Secondary To Ptsd. 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. WebMCV Associates Physicians is a medical group practice located in Richmond, VA that specializes in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and General Surgery. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! These cookies collect information about how you use our website. WebVA regional office denied the claims and she appealed. A Secondary Analysis of the RICCADSA Trial. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Gasping For Air. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 *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. This sleep-disordered breathing leads to poor sleep quality and is a risk factor for the poor quality of life. As such, veterans can establish secondary service connection for hypothyroidism relating to sleep apnea. 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. Check out our Philips CPAP Recall page here! This may seem redundant, especially if the primary condition has already been assessed, however it is still important to attend the exam and cooperate with the examiner. If your VA claim was denied, we may be able to assist you. Diastolic CHF: Diastolic CHF occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff. This process may be repeated over and over again during the night. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. A C&P exam for Sleep Apnea might involve a physical examination and review of your medical history and severity of symptoms over time. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. High Blood Pressure. The lungs arent getting fresh air. The VA will consider the severity of the veterans symptoms. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. You might also like the following Blog posts about Sleep Apnea: #2. Several conditions can occur as a result of ischemic heart disease. In this blog post, we will discuss how. Veterans with Ischemic Heart Disease are nearly three times as likely to develop congestive heart failure as those without. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. 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. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Sleep-deprived partners. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine puts it simply. As blood backs up into the blood vessels, the body starts to retain fluid in the abdomen and lower body. Veterans who develop heart conditions due to military service may be entitled to disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). at-home test kit if you dont want to wait for the VA or private doctor. Okay veterans lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and level of impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. 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). After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease. Research from 2018 estimates that obstructive sleep apnea affects 34% of men and 17% of women in the general population but 40% of men and 60% of women with cardiovascular disease. The disability compensation ranges from $152.64- 3,332.06 (rates based on veteran alone). It can be due to plaque buildup, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Additionally, GERD may contribute to sleep apnea, as acid in the esophagus can cause spasms in the vocal cords which may prompt sleep apnea. The severity of the sleep disorder directly impacts diabetes symptoms, they say. Contact the VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys and claims agents at CCK today at 800-544-9144. sleep apnea and that must be confirmed by a sleep study (its okay if this WebCVA Heart Institute is a medical group practice located in Wytheville, VA that specializes in Cardiology. Positive Airway Pressure Treatment and Depression in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. These secondary conditions can significantly impact a patients quality of life and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Agent Orange is a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. 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. The obvious answer is the wrong answer. 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. To be able to provide a nexus linking their sleep apnea to the secondary condition. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. A medical nexus (i.e., link) between their sleep apnea and the in-service event, injury, or illness. In addition, the stress test can also help your doctor determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has. Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with sleep apnea? 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. WebObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a more common disorder than currently diagnosed in the clinic. Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". 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 a doctor thinks its highly likely you have sleep apnea, the sleep study may also involve a positive air pressure (PAP) device. One of the main risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity, which other conditions like ischemic heart disease can also cause. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing cardiomyopathies. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. A ton According to medical research, military veterans are FOUR TIMES (4x) more likely to have sleep apnea than the normal civilian population, a truly staggering number. 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. Sinusitis is a condition where a persons sinuses become swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. WebNexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. As such, veterans who are service-connected for PTSD are eligible for secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. Some experts believe that hypertension may contribute to ischemic heart disease, but the exact relationship between the two conditions is unclear. Symptoms of sinusitis often include: Chronic sinusitis can also cause nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, and recurring respiratory tract infections. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. OSA largely results from a disruption in the normal breathing process. 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. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. Call Us for a Free Evaluation (888) 573-7838. . 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). 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