va claim sleep apnea secondary to coronary artery disease

Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? You provide evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or aggravation. Generally, there are three types of sleep apnea: Oftentimes, the symptoms of the three types of sleep apnea can overlap, making diagnosis more difficult. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! For a 50% rating, the diagnostic criteria still Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure ( CPAP) machine.. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The link between sleep apnea and PTSD is likely due to the fact that many factors which aggravate PTSD also aggravate sleep apnea. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever condition has the higher rating. Knowing what to look for and how to manage these conditions can help you stay healthy and live a full life. Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past? The third part can be satisfied with a medical In other, more severe cases, a doctor may need to prescribe a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll 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. 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. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! This sleep-disordered breathing leads to poor sleep quality and is a risk factor for the poor quality of life. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease. Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) However, there has been a growing controversy over the amount of money the VA pays veterans afflicted with this condition, and an increasing lobby to get rid of compensation for it. 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). Therefore, veterans who are service connected for sleep apnea can become secondary service-connected for their GERD, and vice versa. 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. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with many different forms of CVD including hypertension, stroke, HF, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation (AF). VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Explained The Experts Guide Prec. shampoo for damaged hair. 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. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Additionally, GERD may contribute to sleep apnea, as acid in the esophagus can cause spasms in the vocal cords which may prompt sleep apnea. 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). post, most veterans didnt realize they had sleep apnea while on active duty. WebIn the recent years intensive research has revealed numerous negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the cardiovascular system. This can often interfere with daily life. Because the chamber must relax in order to fill with blood between contractions, this stiffness means that an inadequate amount of blood is available to pump to the rest of the body. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation youre owed by law. 2019 Physicians will treat sleep apnea depending on the type and severity of the condition. Sleep Apnea Claire Szewczyk Updated: November 7, 2022. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart rhythm disorders, lung damage, and kidney failure. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Loud Snoring. This is called a split-night sleep study. 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. 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. Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. 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. Current evidence has shown that OSA initiates and exacerbates coronary atherosclerosis and is closely related to poor outcomes in patients 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. Studies have shown that war veterans exhibiting these symptoms tend to have increased frequency and length of apneic events that can be proven by a medical professional. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. VA Proper detection and treatment of sleep apnea might A 100% rating is given if an MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.0 METs or less. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. VA Sleep Apnea Claim Coronary Artery Disease So, heres the opinion of VA Claims Insider: If you did NOT have a sleep study while on active duty and you did NOT get a diagnosis of sleep apnea on active duty, you should attempt to service connect your sleep apnea VA claim secondary to another service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. After veterans file a claim for secondary service connection, VA may request that the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Sleep Apnea, Obesity, and Heart Disease Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), or coronary heart disease, is a condition that occurs when an artery supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked or narrowed. The medical examination may seem like extra hard work but could qualify that veteran for additional monthly compensation. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. These exams are usually performed by a VA examiner or a VA-contracted third-party medical professional. Sleep apnea is sleep disorder that affects a persons breathing during the course of the night. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Asymptomatic sleep apnea would not be compensated under the tentative regulation. 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. A 50% rating would be given if treatment was ineffective or you were unable to use therapies due to another condition. Coronary Artery Disease While we still have our home base in Florida, This process may be repeated over and over again during the night. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! WebNexus Letters for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease, & Fatty Liver Disease. sleep apnea was during you service. All Rights Reserved. There are two types of congestive heart failure: Right-sided CHF: Right-sided CHF develops when the right ventricle struggles to deliver blood to the lungs. Over time, hypertension can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Several studies have shown an increased risk of ischemic heart disease among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The pathophysiological interaction between OSA and coronary artery disease is complex and comprises neural, humoral, mechanical and haemodynamic components. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! are still among the most common treatments. We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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. Cardiomyopathies can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, viruses, toxins, and medications. Do Heart Stents Qualify for VA Disability Benefits? Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 There is growing evidence that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. 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. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve! WebAfter first reading these examples, the obvious answer is that the private examiners opinion in VA sleep apnea claim #2 was what made the difference. One in five adults suffers from at least mild sleep apnea; it afflicts more men than women. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your doctor will monitor your hearts electrical activity and blood flow. The second part can be satisfied with a 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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. You're not alone. 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. To have a diagnosis for a secondary condition to sleep apnea; and. 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. Trials such as SAVE (Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints), RICCADSA (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure [CPAP] Treatment in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea), and CERCAS (Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on the Incidence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Events in Nonsleepy Patients With VA Secondary Conditions to Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects about22 million people nationwide. Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) - Compensation 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. You may also be asked to fill out what is called a Disability Benefits Questionnaire or a DBQ. Contact Us Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment I have diagnoses post-service for GERD, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. What made the difference was that the veteran inVA sleep apnea claim #1 lacked ANY lay evidence of sleep apnea symptomatology from service to diagnosis. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a persons breathing repeatedly starts and stops during sleep. 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. A current diagnosis of sleep apnea, as confirmed by a sleep study; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. However, in February 2022, VA proposed changes that would reclassify sleep apnea ratings to 0 percent, 10 percent, 30 percent, or 50 percent, with 100 percent for sleep apnea seeming even harder to qualify for. Some doctors may have you fill out a questionnaire about your sleep habits. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. People with sleep apnea who underwent coronary bypass surgery had a higher rate of complications than those without sleep apnea. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. 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. Do you take naps? Like my comments toward the beginning of this >> Click HERE now to get your FREE copy of my eBook: The Insiders Guide to VA Claims for Sleep Apnea. <<. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect people who have experienced or witnessed trauma, such as a distressing or shocking event. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. 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. 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. Although heart failure can be filed secondary to IHD, the VA wont assign separate ratings. Check out our post on sleep apnea secondary connection with PTSD here! A person must have a polysomnogram, either in a sleep lab or at home, in order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. of hypertrophy or dilatation. 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. Sleep apnea is rated under 38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central Mixed).