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.
Is sleep apnea a presumptive disability?
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.
What are the presumptive conditions of the Gulf War Syndrome?
Read about presumptive conditions for Gulf War Veterans. A prominent condition affecting Gulf War Veterans is a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems.
How do I prove sleep apnea for VA claim?
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.
Is sleep apnea presumed service connected Related Questions
Is sleep apnea associated with Gulf War syndrome?
Sleep Apnea And Gulf War Syndrome Many Gulf War Veterans exhibit symptoms of what the VA has described as a “chronic multi-symptom illness,” which is often known as Gulf War Syndrome. Respiratory disorders, including sleep apnea, are included in the long list of symptoms linked to Gulf War Symptoms.
What is the VA rate for sleep apnea?
0 Percent: You are asymptomatic but have a documented sleep disorder. 30 Percent: You are experiencing persistent daytime hypersomnolence (daytime sleepiness that does not improve even with sufficient sleep) 50 Percent: You require the use of a breathing assistance device, such as a CPAP machine.
Can sleep apnea be caused by military service?
Sleep is an important part of health for everyone, especially military veterans. Although the cause is not distinctly known, there is a strong correlation between veterans and sleep disorders – specifically sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea disqualifying for military service?
There is an increasing incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among active duty (AD) service members, which is a disqualifying condition for initial enlistment.
Does the VA consider sleep apnea a sleep disturbance?
We’ll look at when a sleep disorder may be service connected on a direct or secondary basis and explore how those disorders are rated. Currently, the VA recognizes the following three sleeping disorders: Sleep Apnea.
What is the VA rating for presumptive Gulf War Syndrome?
VA Disability Benefit Amounts for Gulf War Syndrome A combined rating ranges between 0 and 100 percent, in increments of 10 percent. However, to be eligible for benefits for “Gulf War Syndrome,” you must receive a 10 percent disability rating or higher.
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 is the C&P exam for Gulf War Syndrome?
C&P Exam for Gulf War Syndrome A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for Gulf War Syndrome is administered by a VA-approved medical professional. At this examination, the practitioner will ask questions, review evidence, and perform tests to determine the severity of your condition(s).
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.
Is sleep apnea a permanent condition?
By and large, obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic and permanent condition. But, by undertaking surgeries and making some lifestyle changes, you can treat this condition. However, if none of this works, you can get a CPAP machine for ensuring a peaceful night of sleep.
What is the VA cause of sleep apnea?
The causes of sleep apnea in military members and Veterans can be related to toxin exposure (such as smoke from burn pits), trauma, both physical and mental, weight gain secondary to disabilities that prevent exercise, among other things.
Why do so many Veterans have sleep apnea?
For U.S. veterans, sleep apnea can be a real problem—one that may be associated with long-term exposure to chemicals and dust during military service. Many veterans qualify for benefits on the basis of a secondary service-connection to a condition such as exposure to Agent Orange.
What are the 2 most common sleep disorders in military?
In the past 15 years, rates of insomnia. View Source among service members have increased 45-fold, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has increased 30-fold. Army service members were the most likely to report these sleep disorders, and female service members were most likely to be underdiagnosed.
How does the VA treat sleep apnea?
Veterans who have OSA breathe easier at night by using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine prescribed by their VA providers. The CPAP machine is a small portable pump that sends air through a hose held over the nose and/or mouth by a mask. The mild air pressure widens the airway to relieve symptoms.
What is a mild case of sleep apnea?
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep that’s interrupted five to 15 times per hour is defined as mild sleep apnea. Fifteen to 30 so-called ‚Äúevents‚Äù are rated as moderate sleep apnea, and the presence of more than 30 events per night is classified as severe sleep apnea.
How do you prove sleep apnea secondary to PTSD?
Make sure to have a sleep study conducted and get a diagnosis for sleep apnea. You must have a PTSD disability rating of at least 0%. Prove that your condition stems from your PTSD or from medication that you are prescribed for your PTSD.