Sleep apnea is not considered a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or ionized radiation, or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. However, veterans of the Persian Gulf War may be entitled to presumptive service connection for their sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea presumed service connected?
VA disability claims for sleep apnea can sometimes be directly related to service, but more often, sleep apnea is claimed as a secondary condition related to another service-connected disability. Either way, the VA rates a sleep apnea claim on the same rating scale.
How does the VA prove sleep apnea?
NOTE: The diagnosis of sleep apnea must be confirmed by a sleep study; provide sleep study results in Diagnostic testing section. If other respiratory condition is diagnosed, complete the Respiratory and / or Narcolepsy Questionnaire(s), in lieu of this one.
Why does the VA deny sleep apnea?
VA may deny a sleep apnea claim based on different aspects, whether there’s not enough medical evidence of sleep apnea or perhaps no logical connection between your military service and your current sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea a presumptive disability Related Questions
What are VA presumptive conditions?
Find out more about these categories of presumptive conditions: A chronic (long-lasting) illness that appears within 1 year after discharge. An illness caused by contact with contaminants (toxic chemicals) or other hazardous materials. An illness caused by your time spent as a prisoner of war (POW)
What is the maximum disability rating for sleep apnea?
You can receive a rating of 0, 30, 50, or 100 percent for sleep apnea. 0 Percent: You are asymptomatic but have a documented sleep disorder. 100 Percent: You have a chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention and require a tracheostomy.
Why do so many veterans have sleep apnea?
Prolonged Sleep Deprivation. Sleep Fragmentation and Hyperarousal. Physical and Mental Stress from Combat. Stress from PTSD.
How much is sleep apnea worth for VA disability?
If sleep apnea causes disordered breathing but no other symptoms, the veteran will be assigned a 0 percent rating, meaning the veteran will not receive any monthly payment amount for sleep apnea. If the veteran experiences persistent excessive sleepiness during the day, he or she will receive a 30 percent rating.
What to expect at a C&P exam for sleep apnea?
What Happens During C&P Exams for Sleep Apnea? During the C&P exam for sleep apnea, the examiners will ask questions about your condition and how it affects you. VA examiners might complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for sleep apnea as well.
Is sleep apnea a permanent VA disability?
Can the VA Take Away My Sleep Apnea Rating? Since the condition is not considered a permanent VA disability, you can have your rating taken away by the VA. If the condition resolves over time, and you are reevaluated to not have sleep apnea any more, you will no longer be able to claim that rating for compensation.
Can you get VA disability for sleep apnea if you don t use a CPAP machine?
If you have a CPAP and you also have chronic respiratory failure or similar conditions, you can get a 100 percent rating. If you don’t need a CPAP but experience chronic, excessive daytime sleepiness you get 30 percent. The most common rating for service-connected sleep apnea is 50 percent based on needing a CPAP.
What are the 20 new presumptive conditions?
Asthma that was diagnosed after service. Chronic bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic rhinitis. Chronic sinusitis. Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis. Emphysema. Granulomatous disease.
What are VA 1 year presumptive conditions?
You may be able to get disability benefits if you have signs of an illness like hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, diabetes, or peptic ulcers that started within a year after you were discharged from active military service.
What is the easiest disability to claim for VA?
Tinnitus. Tinnitus, otherwise known as “Ringing-in-the-Ear-Syndrome” is by far the #1 easiest VA disability to claim. Tinnitus is when you experience ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other noises in one or both of your ears.
What are the new VA rules for sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea Rating Changes Under the current rating schedule, VA issues ratings at 0, 30, 50, 100 percent for sleep apnea even if treatments are effective at dealing with the condition. Currently, if a veteran uses a CPAP machine, they will receive a 50 percent rating.
Is sleep apnea and anxiety a VA disability?
VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Anxiety and Depression. According to Diagnostic Code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, the VA rates your sleep apnea secondary to anxiety and depression on a 0% to 100% scale. A rating of 100% qualifies you for total disability benefits or TDIU.
When did sleep apnea become a VA disability?
In March 1995, service connection was granted for sleep apnea. A noncompensable disability evaluation was assigned effective June 21, 1999.
When did the VA recognize sleep apnea?
The examiner noted that a review of the medical records showed that the sleep apnea “started in 1984,” but was not diagnosed until 1989.
What not to say at C&P exam?
Don’t Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don’t ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.
What is the 55 year rule for VA disability?
The 55-Year Rule states that veterans receiving VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions are exempt from periodic future examinations once they turn 55.