Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. Examples of chronic disease include: arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. It can be due to plaque buildup, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. 1 Adults with OSA not only have an increased risk of developing comorbid CVD but also have worse outcomes related to CVD. I chalked it up to long work hours, stress from the job, a deployment, and various mental health issues. Anxiety and depression can interfere with a persons sleep patterns, as well as cause symptoms of hyperarousal or hypervigilance. With an audible gasp, breathing starts again. Since that time, we have provided compassionate 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. 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). During the exam, the examiner may evaluate both the primary and secondary condition. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. 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. 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. Specifically, both anxiety and depression can be linked to sleep apnea. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? 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. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. This is called a split-night sleep study. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is also sometimes known as deep sleep. 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.. The apnea also called apneic episodes in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts approximatley 10 seconds or more. 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. Similar to other heart conditions secondary to ischemic heart disease, the VA wont assign separate ratings. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. For a 50% rating, the diagnostic criteria still Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure ( CPAP) machine.. As such, veterans can establish secondary service connection for hypothyroidism relating to sleep apnea. You're not alone. medical diagnosis of sleep apnea while on active duty and you never did a sleep Contact Us Providers Overview Location Reviews Providers Systolic CHF: Systolic CHF occurs when the left ventricle is unable to contract with enough force to circulate blood properly. 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. 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. But, maybe theres a better way to 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. #1: Air is pulled in through the nasal passages. An ischemic heart exam, commonly called a stress test, can provide your doctor with important information about your heart health. sleep apnea was during you service. Two disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea and diabetes would seem to have no connection at all however the data can be surprising. By understanding the VA secondary conditions associated with ischemic heart disease, veterans can take steps to prevent further complications and improve their overall health. A Secondary Analysis of the RICCADSA Trial. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! They can also occur due to other conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. service-connect your sleep apnea claim even if youve already filed or been at-home test kit if you dont want to wait for the VA or private doctor. aggravated by another service-connected disability. Is Hypertension Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease? 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. Continuous medication is required for control. Like PTSD, other conditions rated as mental health conditions can be related to sleep apnea. Congestive heart failure is a common complication of ischemic heart disease. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease. WebCorrelation between coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and analysis of risk factors Correlation between coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and analysis of risk factors Exp Ther Med. A stress test is important in diagnosing and managing ischemic heart disease. 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. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. 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. 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. Like my comments toward the beginning of this I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: VA rates hypertension the same whether service connection is established directly, presumptively, or secondarily due to sleep apnea. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Do you feel tired or sleepy during the day? These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 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. CPAP treatment may reduce the risk of cardiac events, indicate some data. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 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. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing cardiomyopathies. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. 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. Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. Well help you gather the evidence and documentation you need to have the best chance of winning your claim. 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. Veterans may also receive secondary service connection for anxiety and depression if they are already service-connected for sleep apnea. we represent clients nationwide. You have a medical diagnosis of a disability condition. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without sleep apnea. In this case, there must be a medical nexus to link the sleep apnea to their already service-connected disability. Click HERE to read now. This can often interfere with daily life. 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). Its also important to document whether you have a breathing machine, such as a CPAP or BiPAP, as this is the most common difference between the 30% and 50% VA rating for Sleep Apnea. Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". Further compounding the issue is there seems to Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. I am service connected for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Positive Airway Pressure Treatment and Depression in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea. denied? 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. 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. Asymptomatic sleep apnea would not be compensated under the tentative regulation. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your doctor will monitor your hearts electrical activity and blood flow. However, if you have ischemic heart disease, the reduced blood flow can cause the electrical activity to become abnormal. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. To receive benefits, you must first prove that there is a service connection. prove that there is a service connection. Do I Need a Spousal Letter to Support My Sleep Apnea VA Claim? 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. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. Do Heart Stents Qualify for VA Disability Benefits? VA Form 21-686c, also known as the VA form to add dependents or the Declaration of Status of Dependents, is a form for you to provide information to the VA about your dependents. Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and its rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). Hypersomnolence (i.e., excessive daytime sleepiness), Mental anxiety and/or depression related to combat, Use of alcohol, sedatives, certain medications or tranquilizers. The inability to get the kind of restful sleep necessary for optimal health can affect a veterans ability to effectively secure and maintain gainful employment, which is often the case with sleep apnea. 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. I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These exams are usually performed by a VA examiner or a VA-contracted third-party medical professional. Specifically, VA uses 38 CFR 4.104 Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7101. click HERE now and complete our FREE 3-step intake. Since sleep apnea can correlate with conditions like heart disease and obesity, its important to seek treatment options. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? These cookies collect information about how you use our website. 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. Need an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to help service-connect your sleep apnea VA claim? 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. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. These changes may lead to clogged arteries and poor heart muscle function. Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. 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. While arrhythmias can be serious, most people with the condition can manage their symptoms and live long, healthy lives. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, sleep apnea as a secondary service connected condition to PTSD, Calculate Your Potential Compensation Now. 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. VA Claims Insider ELITE is our premier program, which utilizes our proprietary medical process to identify gaps in your record to ensure (1) service-connection of your current disabilities, and (2) the highest rating possible under the law. Most often, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such ashearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. As blood backs up into the blood vessels, the body starts to retain fluid in the abdomen and lower body. These sleep disturbances can occur from tens to hundreds of times per night. While we still have our home base in Florida, Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. Valvular heart disease is often a secondary condition to another form of heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. You would need a diagnosis and a medical nexus letter that will link your condition to your service or service-connected disability. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Veterans with Ischemic Heart Disease are nearly three times as likely to develop congestive heart failure as those without. Its vital the physician performing your exam gets a MET (metabolic equivalent of task) test done for ANY heart condition. You may be eligible for benefits if you have a service-related heart condition requiring treatment with a stent. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University. 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. WebMCV Associates Physicians is a medical group practice located in Richmond, VA that specializes in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and General Surgery. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever has the higher rating. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. Some of the most common secondary conditions include sleep apnea, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and valvular heart disease. This sleep-disordered breathing leads to poor sleep quality and is a risk factor for the poor quality of life. Contact the VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys and claims agents at CCK today at 800-544-9144. Some of the following conditions can be secondary to sleep apnea, while others may be the primary condition to which sleep apnea is secondary. The best way to do this is by providing a complete medical history and linking it to your military service records. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 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. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. VA Form 21-686c: A Quick 8-Step Guide For Veterans. Sleep Apnea, Obesity, and Heart Disease Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. WebVA regional office denied the claims and she appealed. A medical nexus (i.e., link) between their sleep apnea and the in-service event, injury, or illness. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. These secondary conditions can significantly impact a patients quality of life and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. This could be because both asthma and sleep apnea affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Because of this close relationship between ischemic heart disease and heart failure, its important for anyone diagnosed with one of these conditions to be closely monitored by a cardiologist. The severity of the sleep disorder directly impacts diabetes symptoms, they say. 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. Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects about22 million people nationwide. Sinusitis is a condition where a persons sinuses become swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Additionally, sleep apnea may worsen existing coronary artery disease. Sometimes, certain lifestyle changes can help to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. 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). It can cause a Heart Attack, the most common type of valvular heart disease. secondary disability be shown to be proximately caused by or proximately In some cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be recommended to help prevent sudden cardiac death. 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. Sinusitis also affects the nose, throat, and head, much like sleep apnea. Does Sleep Apnea Cause Coronary Artery Disease? Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices As such, the two conditions have been linked and veterans can receive secondary service connection for sinusitis linked to sleep apnea. These machines create airway pressure to help the individual breathe throughout the night. Typically, sleep apnea symptoms are at their worst during REM Sleep due to the bodys naturally-occurring reduced muscle tone in the bodys airway. The team at Hill & Ponton may be able to assist you with a denial of benefits for sleep apnea. I've read that these can be rated secondary to OSA. Click the button below to start for FREE.
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