va claim sleep apnea secondary to coronary artery disease va claim sleep apnea secondary to coronary artery disease

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. 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. The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. WebNexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. Positive Airway Pressure Treatment and Depression in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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. In addition, the stress test can also help your doctor determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has. Id. 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. To receive benefits, you must first prove that there is a service connection. There are many common conditions that can be caused or aggravated by sleep apnea. A polysomnogram is a sleep study in which medical devices are used to monitor a persons breathing, heart rate, and the electrical activity of their brain waves while they sleep. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. During a C&P exam for sleep apnea, you will be asked questions about your condition and how it affects your day-to-day life. Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Re-experiencing the trauma through recurrent memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, Avoidance of people, places, and activities that are reminders of the trauma, Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, Difficulty maintaining relationships with others, Thick, discolored discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart rhythm disorders, lung damage, and kidney failure. The rating criteria are as follows: 60% diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more It can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. During an evaluation for sleep apnea, a doctor may ask some of the following questions: During the exam, the doctor may also take into consideration your weight, neck circumference, or blood pressure (all which could put you at higher risk for sleep apnea). Do Heart Stents Qualify for VA Disability Benefits? Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients 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. If it has, there might be a rating reduction. You would need a diagnosis and a medical nexus letter that will link your condition to your service or service-connected disability. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. are still among the most common treatments. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. The most common symptom of cardiomyopathy is shortness of breath, but patients may also experience fatigue, chest pain, and lightheadedness. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Since sleep apnea can correlate with conditions like heart disease and obesity, its important to seek treatment options. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 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. In other, more severe cases, a doctor may need to prescribe a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine. CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. Symptoms of GERD include: Veterans who suffer fromsleep apneamay find that the condition aggravates or causes GERD. If you are among the former military service members living with sleep apnea, you may be eligible for veterans disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Below is a non-exhaustive list of common conditions linked to sleep apnea: Asthma is a condition that affects a persons airways and makes it difficult for them to breathe. a medical nexus or link that shows the veterans sleep apnea is related to their in-service event, injury/illness. Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. Some conditions that can be secondary to sleep apnea may include but are not limited to: If you have a service-connected condition that you believe is causing your sleep apnea, it may be a good idea to start to talk to your doctors about it. It can cause a Heart Attack, the most common type of valvular heart disease. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. While appellate litigation proceeded, the connection on direct or secondary bases because it did not qualify as a disease or injury. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Most often, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such ashearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. 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. The highest possible scheduler VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea is 100%, which includes symptoms such as, chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy. Sleep Apnea, Obesity, and Heart Disease Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. 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. of hypertrophy or dilatation. WebNexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. a showing of causation. The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. Hypersomnolence (i.e., excessive daytime sleepiness), Mental anxiety and/or depression related to combat, Use of alcohol, sedatives, certain medications or tranquilizers. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. The obvious answer is the wrong answer. 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%. So if this proposed change for sleep apnea ratings goes through, its possible that veterans may start getting lowballed ratings. This can often interfere with daily life. Cardiomyopathies can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, viruses, toxins, and medications. Note: Millions of Philips CPAP Machines have been recalled due to toxic chemical seeping into mask and unknowingly being inhaled by sleep apnea patients. Filing a claim for secondary service connection is largely the same as filing a claim for primary 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. The second part can be satisfied with a 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. Specifically, VA uses 38 CFR 4.104 Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7101. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 However, if you have ischemic heart disease, the reduced blood flow can cause the electrical activity to become abnormal. As such, veterans who are service-connected for PTSD are eligible for secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Symptoms can include: Hypothyroidism can cause changes to the upper airway, which can lead to or aggravate sleep apnea. Okay, lets explore how you can service connect sleep apnea secondary. Typically, sleep apnea symptoms are at their worst during REM Sleep due to the bodys naturally-occurring reduced muscle tone in the bodys airway. Do you take naps? 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). sleep apnea was during you service. The disability compensation depends on the disability rating. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 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. Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects about22 million people nationwide. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Authors 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. secondary disability be shown to be proximately caused by or proximately Allergic Rhinitis. A showing of causation requires that the Some experts believe that hypertension may contribute to ischemic heart disease, but the exact relationship between the two conditions is unclear. 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. must be satisfied for sleep apnea secondary conditions to prove secondary See 67 FR 54394. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that Several conditions can occur as a result of ischemic heart disease. It will also look at any treatment received to determine the appropriate rating. Sleep apnea can cause various health problems, including heart disease. OSA largely results from a disruption in the normal breathing process. Ischemic heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Veterans with Ischemic Heart Disease are nearly three times as likely to develop congestive heart failure as those without. This guide will outline the basics of sleep apnea, how the VA disability rating works for this condition, and how qualifying veterans can prove direct service connection as well as sleep apnea as a secondary service connected condition to PTSD. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Does Sleep Apnea Cause Coronary Artery Disease? >> Click HERE now to get your FREE copy of my eBook: The Insiders Guide to VA Claims for Sleep Apnea. <<. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Left-sided CHF: Left-sided CHF is the most common form of CHF and begins when the left ventricle cant effectively deliver blood throughout the body. With an audible gasp, breathing starts again. Contact the VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys and claims agents at CCK today at 800-544-9144. In some cases, arrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. People with tinnitus may hear phantom noises, such as: Tinnitus is one of the most frequently claimed conditions for service connection. For veterans who have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea without a sleep study by the VA, the veteran may have to undergo a sleep study done by the VA in order to confirm the diagnosis for benefit purposes. 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). WebThis is called hypopnea (decreased breathing) or apnea (meaning no breathing). sleep apnea and that must be confirmed by a sleep study (its okay if this These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. 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. Because you didnt go to the doctor enough while Service connection on a secondary basis requires Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%. All Rights Reserved. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention throughout the body (particularly around the lungs).*. 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? Further compounding the issue is there seems to They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Did you know there are more than 50 conditions that can be medically linked to cause or aggravate sleep apnea? 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. The test is usually performed while you are exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. Loud snoring can keep anyone who sleeps nearby from getting good rest. Finally, a 100% rating is available when sleep apnea is so severe that it involves organ damage. As such, veterans can establish secondary service connection for hypothyroidism relating to sleep apnea. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. 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. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. Veterans may also receive secondary service connection for anxiety and depression if they are already service-connected for sleep apnea. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] To confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis for VA disability compensation purposes, VA requires that a sleep study be conducted. They can also occur due to other conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The team at Hill & Ponton may be able to assist you with a denial of benefits for sleep apnea. For years, the elephant in the room in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities has been sleep apnea. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. diagnosis and sleep study occurred years AFTER leaving active duty). Epub 2018 Apr 13. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Contact Us When the heart doesnt get enough oxygen-rich blood, it can cause the muscles in the airway to relax, leading to obstruction and sleep apnea. One of the main risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity, which other conditions like ischemic heart disease can also cause. Recently, it has been widely accepted by the, According to theNational Sleep Foundation, insomnia is a chronic sleep disorder, characterized by complaints of unsatisfactory sleep, despite having ample opportunity to sleep. Call Us for a Free Evaluation (888) 573-7838. . veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. 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. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, medications, implantable devices, and surgery. This causes discomfort and inflammation. If a veteran is service-connected for anxiety or depression, they may be able to receive secondary service connection for their sleep apnea. aggravated by another service-connected disability. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)so you can increase your rating fast!If youve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low ratingor youre unsure how to get startedreach out to us! The exact mechanism by which the chemical causes this condition is not yet known, but it is thought that it may interfere with the normal functioning of the heart muscle or the arteries. The relationship can also work in the reverse, with sleep apnea being the primary service-connected condition. Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Is it difficult to stay awake performing tasks like driving, reading or watching TV? VA Form 21-686c: A Quick 8-Step Guide For Veterans. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. study from a VA doctor or a private doctor. You provide evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or aggravation. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Bringing someone with you to the appointment may also be useful. Dry Mouth. 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). 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. There are many conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea that veterans can receive benefits for through secondary service connection. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There is growing evidence that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. 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. How hard is it to get VA disability for sleep apnea? While we still have our home base in Florida, 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. Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. The more severe the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. The VA assigns a disability rating to each condition based on the severity of the condition and its effects on the veterans ability to work and live a normal life. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or requires tracheostomy, Requires use of breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine, Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing, Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep (usually observed by your spouse or partner), Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), Excessive daytime tiredness (hypersomnia).