6514. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youâll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Continuous symptoms or a medical nexus opinion. 38 U.S.C. Stephani Bennett Stephani Bennet is a VA accredited Veteran right’s attorney who is committed to helping Veterans in the fight for their VA disability benefits. Many studies have now shown that people who have asthma are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. The criteria for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to include as secondary to a sinus disability have not been met. Post Sep 10, 2017 #1 2017-09-10T15:19. (2) What you witnessed or are witnessing regarding the Veteranâs sleep apnea claim (e.g., did you hear the Veteran snore loudly and/or stop breathing? If youâre wondering âHow to Get a Nexus Letter for Sleep Apnea,â weâve made a list of the Top 5 Doctors Who Write Nexus Letters for Sleep Apnea. Because a Buddy Statement constitutes âlay evidenceâ under the law, which simply means âafter the factâ evidence written by a competent lay person (not an expert) 18 years of age or older who does NOT have any specialized education, training, or experience. Veterans that can show a service-connected cause for sinus congestion, headaches, pain and tenderness around your sinuses, ongoing snot and crusting can get up to a 50% rating which at the 2019 level is $879.36 per month … The Respiratory System Overview . How To Incorporate Federal Records With Your VA Claim. This quick disability claim letter to VA Comp & Pension from my own claim for sinusitis, sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis should help get your claim going. Take Care and “SLEEP WELL”! According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VAâ¦. You're not alone. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universityâs Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). So, strap-in, and letâs start our journey to learn how to service connect your VA Sleep Apnea claim. In short, I was seeing the sleep apnea disability … By continuing to browse the site you are consenting to their use. 6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed): Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy: 100 Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine: 50 Persistent day-time hypersomnolence: 30 Sinusitis, maxillary, chronic. Simply put, itâs because VA disability claims are won or lost based on medical evidence. Has the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied your benefits claim based on a diagnosis of sleep apnea? OldGringo. The final part of Step #3 is to conduct some Google Searches of medical research and BVA case law decisions for your VA Sleep Apnea claim. In Step #5, youâll want to get a Nexus Letter for Sleep Apnea from a credible independent medical professional. ), (3) the Veteransâ current symptoms of Sleep Apnea and how the condition affects him/her daily (e.g., are they tired all-the-time and does he/she require the daily use of a CPAP machine? With the initial rating set, how does a veteran determine what he would be entitled to, should his disability increase in … Records Review. Truth bomb: Just because you snore doesnât mean you have Sleep Apnea. There is also some evidence that … While the sinuses perform better when unobstructed by mucus, too-dry sinuses can result in blood vessel breakage and bleeding in the nasal passages. If you use a CPAP machine then this should warrant a 50 rating. I am working with my advocate and I am in the process of putting a claim in for Sinusitis, rhinitis, gerd, and sleep apnea. Yep, it really is the single, most powerful way to prove service connection. OldGringo. In our experience, if you did NOT have a Sleep Study while on active duty and you did NOT get a medical diagnosis of Sleep Apnea in the military, you should attempt to service connect your Sleep Apnea VA claim SECONDARY to another service-connected disability. Sinusitis, frontal, chronic. Among the most common claims for which we help veterans in their fight for disability benefits are sleep apnea VA claims. How To Claim Secondary Conditions There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. ), and (4) Sign and date your name to the best of your knowledge and belief. Sleep apnea and sinusitis are both health conditions that reduce your quality of sleep by disrupting your breathing. There are 3 primary ways for Veterans to get a Sleep Study: Once youâve finished your Sleep Study, itâs important to review your results with a sleep specialist. The signs and symptoms of these three types of sleep apnea tend to overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have. Sleep Apnea is a very complex medical issue that impacts many military veterans. For the legal principles of direct service connection, see 38 CFR 3.303. Cervical Conditions(Neck Pain) and LT/RT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ankle, Knee, Shin splints, hip and lower back issues service connected secondary to flat feet or collapsed arches. Because weight gain / obesit is the #1 most common reason why the VA denies Sleep Apnea claims. In general, sleep apnea is medically defined as a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts, which can result in feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. Make sense right? Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. These veterans should qualify for VA benefits for their sleep apnea secondary to their service-connected deviated … OldGringo. Sleep apnea secondary to GERD, Asthma, Sinusitis, or Allergic rhinitis. General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC’s 6510 through 6514): Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near . 118 31. His frustration with the 8-step VA disability claims process led him to create âVA Claims Insider,â which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim in less time. Itâs FREE to get started, so click âGo Elite Nowâ below to complete our 3-step intake process. This is a condition that, like all other VA-compensated disabilities, must have an established connection to military service in order to get an award for VA disability compensation.. Service-connected medical issues including sleep apnea may … Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. The criteria for service connection for a sinus disability to include sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis have not been met. Secondary Service Connection (SC) may be awarded to a claimant for the following under the provisions of 38 CFR 3.310(a) and 38 CFR 3.310(b): Secondary Service Connection requires a âshowing of causation.â. Top 3 Reasons Why VA Claims for Sleep Apnea Get Denied, How to Prove Service Connection for Sleep Apnea: The 6-Step Most Likely Cause (MLC) Technique, Step #1: Get a NEW Sleep Study (within the past 12 months), Step #2: Confirm a medical diagnosis of Sleep Apnea with a sleep specialist, Step #3: Conduct a Sleep Apnea âGap Analysisâ to include medical research and case law precedent, Step #4: Determine Direct Service Connection vs. If youâd like to save some time and effort in your research, you can download my FREE eBook, which includes medical research studies and BVA cases for Sleep Apnea: Youâll learn 3 critical things about service connection for Sleep Apnea: >> Click HERE to download “The Insider’s Guide to VA Sleep Apnea Claims!â. Some other common symptoms of Sleep Apnea include: Trouble staying asleep at night (waking up often), episodes where you stop breathing (ask your partner), daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), morning headaches, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and anger (irritability). I as granted disability for service related allergic rhinitis and sinusitis but the VA denied my related claim for severe sleep apnea. Chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea isn’t just annoying, it can be life-threatening. I guess my question is, can I file a VA Claim for sleep apnea as result … The VA examiner opined that the Veteran had anatomical abnormalities in his nose, oral cavity, palate, and oropharynx that explained his sleep apnea. I was at 60% and now I'm 80%. First, a credible Nexus Letter fulfills the third legal pillar of secondary service connection for Sleep Apnea mentioned above. ... (27) and receive the maximum service connected disability for severe sinusitis … Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one of the more common disabilities claimed by veterans, but also one of the most often denied. A Veteran must provide medical nexus evidence establishing a connection between the service-connected disability and the current disability (Sleep Apnea). Brian is also the CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, which is the worldâs largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability, and has served more than 6,000,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. <<, Brian Reese is a VA benefits expert, former military officer, and founder of VA Claims Insider â âThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.â. This is what causes a person to stop breathing or to breath shallowly. 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. The number of VA disability ratings that are awarded for sleep apnea is on the rise, however, it still fails to address the … Itâs FREE to get started, and youâll hear from one of our Veteran Coaches (VC) within minutes of signing up for VA Claims Insider ELITE. Sleep disruption caused by obstructive sleep apnea can be exacerbated by his sinusitis and allergic rhinitis with a deviated septum. I have recently … The VA rates sleep apnea with four different ratings: 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100%. Tell us about your Federal records (from … In our experience, many C&P examiners and VA Raters donât even know the legal standards of proof in a VA claim and they get this wrong ALL THE TIMEâand itâs shameful. VA extends its ban on evictions and foreclosures to June 30, VA program offers veterans access to banking services, VA Receives Additional 200,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to administer to Veterans, employees. Veterans are assigned either a 0, 30, 50, or 100 percent rating depending on the severity of their condition. Many veterans who suffered a broken nose during service may develop sleep apnea from the obstruction caused by their deviated septum. sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis and sinusitis sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis and sinusitis. It’s almost as much work – and it can often take as much dedication. >> CLICK HERE NOW and start FREE! §§ 1110,1131, 5107; 38 C.F.R. You’re aren’t alone. Individuals with sleep apnea are much more likely of developing chronic sinusitis or rhinitis. VA Disability Rates for Conditions in 2021 â The Definitive Guide (Plus 5 NEW Tips), Joe Moynihan – Elite Member Success Story, 25+ Best 100 Percent Disabled Veteran Benefits: The Ultimate Guide (2021). Obesity can be used as an âIntermediate Stepâ to service connect Sleep Apnea as a secondary claim? ... (just because of my lack of knowledge at the time of how VA disability worked). The military utilizes VA disability ratings to determine the severity of the Obstructive, Central, or Mixed Sleep Apnea. At VA Claims Insider, we can help you win, service connect, and get the highest rating possible for your Sleep Apnea disability claim. OldGringo. The third part can be satisfied with a VA Nexus Letter from a qualified medical professional. Veterans with obstructive sleep apnea have a heightened risk of chronic sinusitis. Winning a VA claim to service connect sleep apnea is hard. Sleep Apnea and Sleep Studies The diagnosis of sleep apnea must be confirmed by sleep study for compensation rating purposes. Either you have enough medical evidence, or you donât. I am new to the forum. Has the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied your benefits claim based on a diagnosis of sleep apnea? For more Uncategorized queries, Check out The Fashion and City , … Hello I'm Vet and I have Sinusitis/ Rhinitis which the VA rated me 10% but I also have sleep apnea and the rated me not service connected and as I'm reading I should have got rated on my sleep apnea. In fact, winning your VA sleep apnea claim can feel like you just led your team to victory in the World Cup. In Step #4, youâll want to make the call on Direct Service Connection versus Secondary Service Connection. I met 3 people at my local VA who have the sinusitis and rhinitis and were granted a sleep apnea rating. But it is important to note that a wide variety of more specific … Hello I'm Vet and I have Sinusitis/ Rhinitis which the VA rated me 10% but I also have sleep apnea and the rated me not service connected and as I'm reading I should have got rated on my sleep apnea. While the sinuses perform better when unobstructed by mucus, too-dry sinuses can result in blood vessel breakage and … Second, a VA Nexus Letter for Sleep Apnea is the Independent Medical Opinion of a private medical professional, and can influence the C&P examinerâs medical opinion, as well as the VA Rating Officialâs final disability decision, assuming the medical nexus evidence provided in the letter has probative value. 118 31. This site uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Keep in mind that because the condition is granted based on aggravation, the awarded percentage is the difference between the aggravating condition (sinusitis 10%) and the sleep apnea w/CPAP rating (50%) leaving an award of 40% for the sleep apnea rating. Here’s a continuance of my own little story for service connection for the following: Sleep Apnea secondary to Sinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis. Receipt of medical evidence disclosing a diagnosis of sleep apnea without confirmation by a sleep study is sufficient to trigger the duty to assist for scheduling an examination if the other … How VA Rates Sleep Apnea Once service connection is established, VA will rate sleep apnea under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847 – Sleep Apnea Syndromes. Winning a VA Sleep Apnea is much harder. Being undiagnosed at an earlier stage and untreated, Mr. I didn't have anything in my medical records about sleep apnea, but I have a lot on my sinusitis, rhinitis and the VA exam in 1998 found the deviated septum. Veteran also has heart palpitations; hypertension (high blood pressure), pre-diabetic and weight gain which sleep studies have linked to sleep apnea. Generally speaking, the most common symptoms include: loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, awakening with a dry mouth, morning headache, insomnia, … These lay statements can be from a fellow service member, spouse, friend, pastor, co-worker, boss, adult child, or any other competent and credible adult witness. I was thinking trying again and tying my PTSD to that. The most likely cause is weight gain / obesity, which occurred after they left the military. Have been service connected through the VA for Chronic Rhinitis, Sorethroat, and I believe SInusitis as well.. Are any of these factors that could cause or aggravate sleep apnea? Click HERE to read now. In our experience, it comes down to 3 factors: But donât worry â there are some simple strategies you can employ to overcome these 3 factors, even if the VA has already denied your VA claim for Sleep Apnea. By far, the most common Sleep Apnea syndrome in Veterans is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Cervical Conditions(Neck Pain) and LT/RT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. What should you include in a Buddy Letter for Sleep Apnea? Take Care and “SLEEP WELL”! Click âGo Elite Nowâ below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to include as secondary to a sinus disability The Veteran asserts that she has obstructive sleep apnea (also noted in the records as obstructive sleep apnea … Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD? Step #6: Get at least one VA Buddy Letter for Sleep Apnea, WATCH: VA Sleep Apnea Secondary Claim SECRETS. So do you think I should put it in as a secondary condition. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one of the more common disabilities claimed by veterans, but also one of the most often denied. Secondary Service Connection for Sleep Apnea, Secondary Service Connection Requirements, Sleep Apnea Secondary Claims (New Tips in 2021). She had me complete a Sleep Study which resulted in my first CPAP machine. >> CLICK HERE NOW << to complete our 3-step intake process, speak with a Veteran Coach (VC) to get a personalized VA claim strategy, and possibly get the VA rating you deserve in less time. A Nexus Letter is often the missing link, aka, the âessentialâ piece of evidence needed to help a veteran get his/her VA sleep apnea service connected. The sleep apnea started during or worsened as a result of active service. In 3-4 paragraphs, you should explain (1) Your name, information, and how you know the veteran. 10-37 904 ) DATE ) ) On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Diego, California THE ISSUE Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran's service treatment records (STRs) are negative for reports of sleep apnea or any chronic sleep impairment; however, it is clear from a review of the STRs that he suffered from chronic nasal congestion as a result of his service-connected upper airway disabilities. In the final step, Step #6, youâll want to obtain at least one Lay Statement, aka “Buddy Letter” to support your VA claim for Sleep Apnea. Disabilities that are proximately due to, or the result of, an SC condition, or. Shulkin, the VA would still need to look at sleep apnea symptoms, to see if all of the symptoms from both sleep apnea and asthma would allow for a higher rating under the asthma rating code.) There are studies linking the conditions, which means veterans may be able to service-connect the two conditions together. Since worsening of a condition can be a basis for service connection, sleep apnea might be service-connectable as well. Sleep Apnea patients who have sinus problems often turn to CPAP therapy to treat their problems. A quick note: According to medical research, the most common cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is WEIGHT GAIN / OBESITY. The concept of âmedical certaintyâ is a much higher standard of proof than is required for a claimant under the VA disability system. General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through 6514): Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries: 50 The VA examiner noted, however, that reduced nasal airway patency (whether due to inflammation, rhinitis, septal deviation, or sinusitis) could cause or worsen sleep apnea. The C&P examinerâs will write some ridiculous denial such as, âItâs âless likely than notâ that the Veteranâs Sleep Apnea is due to their military service. There are three basic classes of sleep disorders the VA covers for disability compensation: sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.