I am so glad that this forum is here.  I am neither crazy nor alone.

I thought my lack of sleep was due to my mattress and pillows.  For years, I kept trading my pillow every few months searching for one that would assist in helping me sleep.  

My father-in-law went for a sleep study a few months ago.  He described symptoms exactly like mine.  I decided to ask my doctor for a sleep study also.  As suspected, OSA.  

I haven't been for the CPAP study yet, but it is almost like a weight has been lifted from me.  I look forward to the hours of uninterrupted sleep.  

I, like a lot of you, am a military retiree that was not diagnosed while on active duty.  I am relatively young (44), but had never heard of sleep apnea until a few months ago.  I chalked up the lack of sleep and extreme (wife's words) snoring to sleep position or being just plain uncomfortable.  

I guess the testimony of the one you sleep with isn't enough for the VA?  The 50% would be nice, but the promise of a good night's sleep is even better.

Thanks for the helpful posts.

Since I have been back from overseas I have had the symptoms of sleep apnea.  I have just recently realized that this could be what is wrong with me.  I now am having trouble with my job I am an over the road truck driver curious to know how many people that served in the Military have been acutually diagnosed with this disorder?

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been using cpap for about a year now.  I am considering enlisting in the Navy or possibly the Army.  Will my sleep apnea condition keep me out of the military?

I retire from the Air Force in Oct 2007 with 23 years of service.  I am now 80% disable through the VA.  My ratings add up to 140% but they grade on a curve. LOL.  I did get 50% for sleep apnea, so that part is true.  I get concurrent receipt, which means I get 2 checks.  Lets put it this way it more that doubled my normal retirement check.  I feel satified with the VA at this point.


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Haku wrote:

I retire from the Air Force in Oct 2007 with 23 years of service.  I am now 80% disable through the VA.  My ratings add up to 140% but they grade on a curve. LOL.  I did get 50% for sleep apnea, so that part is true.  I get concurrent receipt, which means I get 2 checks.  Lets put it this way it more that doubled my normal retirement check.  I feel satified with the VA at this point.

Well, you are one of the smart ones that actually had everything documented in the med records and had everything together when it was time to file through the VA.  I know a few people that retired without exit exams. Why? Well, I dont know.

Even though you were not diagnosed prior to your retirement, you may still have a case for sleep apnea (SA).  If you ever complained to your doctors while on active duty and can find references to it, you can use that along with "buddy statements" to support your case.  You can also ask your doctor to write an opinion based upon your service medical records (SMR) and the buddy statements.  If so, it should state something to the extent that "after reviewing Mr. X's service medical records, signed witness accounts to his symptoms, and my treatment of his condition, it is my opinion that is it more likely than not that Mr. X's sleep apnea developed in 19XX (or while in service)."  The more specific and firm the letter is, the better.  I got my VA doc to write one for me and all I had to give her was a few references regarding service connection.  It's worth a shot.

Regarding SA and active military, most posts I've read say that as long as you have access to power (can plug in a CPAP machine), you can remain on active duty.  It will vary by specialty, though, so you'll have to ask your military doc to be sure.

Same answer for enterring service with SA.  It would depend on the job/duty as to whether it would allow the use of a CPAP machine.  However, I believe the restrictions are coming down as understanding of the condition increases and the technology improves.  (I can take my CPAP camping and use it with batteries).


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Loving life (at least awake for it) now that I'm sleeping once again with my ResMed at 10cmH2O.

Hello all, I really have learned alot from these postings. I am 41 with hypertension, hypothyroidism, torn meniscus in both knees, Diagnosed with PTSD and now going for my sleep study in 2 weeks. I took a 12 year break in service and came back in 2004 and had to go back to Bootcamp at Ft Benning at age 37. I am trying to make it the last 10 years to retirement but looks gloomy. I did 1 tour in Iraq and scheduled to go back.
I am concerned that my health will have me boarded out and I will struggle on the outside trying to provide for my family. I have read some of the horror stories on here about the VA disabilities. I have everything documented and have copies at home.
I am worried that my sleep study will not show how bad my sleep issues are. My wife says I sound like a chainsaw.
I snore almost every night and I am overweight with no help from my PTSD meds.
Just thought I would throw my life story out here for any guidance or to hear from anyone that has been there and recovered.

I was recently diagnosed with SA and given a CPAP 2 weeks ago.  I have also been on Provigil for a year now.  How long does it take to acutally feel like you had a good night sleep?  Also, how does the military rate SA with a CPAP as a disability?  I haven't seen any clear guidance on it.  Thanks.


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Machine: Respironics Series M Auto CPAP with C-Flex and heated humidifier
Mask: Ultra Mirage Full Face

Jim,

38 CFR Book C-Schedule for Rating Disabilities
The Respiratory System

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
        Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing    0

So I was reading the Fort Benning WLC guide today and according to the manual, they will deny anyone who can't do all parts of the course. Seeing as I need that to be promoted or maintain SGT, does anyone have any experience with this? Can I somehow waive WLC as a result of my permanent profile for sleep apnea? Anyone heard of this happening?

E8 Air National Guard AGR with 24 years.   I am scheduled to retire Sep 2009 due to BRAC, but this changes things.

Long story short, I was diagnosed with Mild/Moderate sleep apnea in 1991 and prescribed with a CPAP by the Air National Gaurd/Air Force.  recently they found out I have sleep apena, I know... I asked the same question "glad you found it so soon" (after yearly non-comp and comp physicals) and now they want to MEB me, unless I get a specialst to indicate I dont need the CPAP or my APNEA.  I admitt I dont use the CPAP on a regular basis, but getting a specialst to say I dont need one seems odd and detremental to ME.  

My questions are:
1) what type of disiblity might I be looking at and how would that impact my High-3 retirement as an E8  
2) Whould it be beneficial to get the CPAP non-use statement to avoid a MEB and be able to hit my retirement date in 2009
3) Who really is a good POC to ask questions like these while still on my AGR tour

Thanks for any and all assistance!!

Haku wrote:

I retire from the Air Force in Oct 2007 with 23 years of service.  I am now 80% disable through the VA.  My ratings add up to 140% but they grade on a curve. LOL.  I did get 50% for sleep apnea, so that part is true.  I get concurrent receipt, which means I get 2 checks.  Lets put it this way it more that doubled my normal retirement check.  I feel satified with the VA at this point.

I guess I really don't understand our Government,  this makes me wonder why Social Security doesn't help us more with our disabilities, especially if the military recognizes you've earned 50% disability for Sleep Apnea??? I'm not criticizing you, I'm just a bit shocked that you can get an extra check because you have Sleep Apnea and we have to fight for an extra mask when needed. God help me if mine breaks before six months is up,  they expect me to pay for it. I could understand the government paying for your treatment through the VA, but if you're saying your Sleep Apnea has earned you 50% disability then I have to wonder why our government doesn't recognize that for all the rest of us equally as well!  So much for trying to figure out the government!

Never the less,  thank you for your 23 years of service,  I appreciate you having been there for all the rest of us who couldn't be.


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SnowCajun
I'm old, there's no cure!

SnowCajun wrote:

I guess I really don't understand our Government,  this makes me wonder why Social Security doesn't help us more with our disabilities, especially if the military recognizes you've earned 50% disability for Sleep Apnea??? I'm not criticizing you, I'm just a bit shocked that you can get an extra check because you have Sleep Apnea and we have to fight for an extra mask when needed. God help me if mine breaks before six months is up,  they expect me to pay for it. I could understand the government paying for your treatment through the VA, but if you're saying your Sleep Apnea has earned you 50% disability then I have to wonder why our government doesn't recognize that for all the rest of us equally as well!  So much for trying to figure out the government!.

Who is "the rest of us?"  ...the general public at large??

If you wanted the same retired military benefits, you should have served...we're all volunteers and it's one of our "perks" if you will.  And remember none of us had OSA when we signed up.


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RemStar Pro M-Series with C-Flex jamming 10 cm H20 down my piehole And finally getting a good night's sleep...every night!!!!

BGSMSHR wrote:

Who is "the rest of us?"  ...the general public at large??

If you wanted the same retired military benefits, you should have served...we're all volunteers and it's one of our "perks" if you will.  And remember none of us had OSA when we signed up.

Oh wow BGSMSHR,  I appreciate your insight into my life!  Without even knowing me you've blasted me saying "you should have served!"  Just so you'll know,  I did try to "serve" even though I had medical issues that they wouldn't accept.  I went in and tried to join the Marines back in 1970 when I turned 18 and Vietnam was still in progress,  then I went to the Navy, then the the Air Force,  and last but not least I even tried to get into the Coast Guard, but they just wouldn't take me no matter how hard I tried!  I felt that a career in the military would have been a wonderful thing for me actually.  Even though they wouldn't take me I still was able to work all through my adult life until I was injured in an on the job trucking accident someone else caused.  I think I've done my share for society thank you!  I also think I'd have done fine in the military too.  

This much I do know BGSMSHR, I've had Sleep Apnea for five years now,  unless I'm missing something if I weren't disabled from another issue, my Sleep Apnea would in no way what so ever be preventing me from holding a productive job in society, not even 50% worth, I think that's why I was shocked the military would dish out 50% disability for it.  It may not be that way for others,  you've made me curious about that now since you've called it a "perk",  but from my view in dealing with my OSA, there's no way at all it's disabled me 50% worth!!  

Perks like that,  as you call them, do little other than drain our government of money over the rest of someones lifetime, especially when the use of CPAP machines allow people to get more than enough sleep to function and be rested during the day, at least it certainly has for me anyway.  I have great difficulty visualizing 50% worth of disability in that, "perk" or not,  especially not enough to be bragging about it to tax payers who are footing the bill.

Just my view,  I may not have been able to have "served", but as an American I'm still allowed my free speech and opinions!


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SnowCajun
I'm old, there's no cure!

SnowCajun wrote:

BGSMSHR wrote:

Who is "the rest of us?"  ...the general public at large??

If you wanted the same retired military benefits, you should have served...we're all volunteers and it's one of our "perks" if you will.  And remember none of us had OSA when we signed up.

Oh wow BGSMSHR,  I appreciate your insight into my life!  Without even knowing me you've blasted me saying "you should have served!"  Just so you'll know,  I did try to "serve" even though I had medical issues that they wouldn't accept.  I went in and tried to join the Marines back in 1970 when I turned 18 and Vietnam was still in progress,  then I went to the Navy, then the the Air Force,  and last but not least I even tried to get into the Coast Guard, but they just wouldn't take me no matter how hard I tried!  I felt that a career in the military would have been a wonderful thing for me actually.  Even though they wouldn't take me I still was able to work all through my adult life until I was injured in an on the job trucking accident someone else caused.  I think I've done my share for society thank you!  I also think I'd have done fine in the military too.  

This much I do know BGSMSHR, I've had Sleep Apnea for five years now,  unless I'm missing something if I weren't disabled from another issue, my Sleep Apnea would in no way what so ever be preventing me from holding a productive job in society, not even 50% worth, I think that's why I was shocked the military would dish out 50% disability for it.  It may not be that way for others,  you've made me curious about that now since you've called it a "perk",  but from my view in dealing with my OSA, there's no way at all it's disabled me 50% worth!!  

Perks like that,  as you call them, do little other than drain our government of money over the rest of someones lifetime, especially when the use of CPAP machines allow people to get more than enough sleep to function and be rested during the day, at least it certainly has for me anyway.  I have great difficulty visualizing 50% worth of disability in that, "perk" or not,  especially not enough to be bragging about it to tax payers who are footing the bill.

Just my view,  I may not have been able to have "served", but as an American I'm still allowed my free speech and opinions!

I don't need to know you to read a post and comprehend that all it says is it's not fair...poor me.

So bottom line is you never served.  As I said, none of us had OSA when we signed the dotted line.  It's DQ for new accessions.  You were medically not able to serve.  If you served...if you could get in to serve...then you'd have the same VA benefits I do.  You didn't, so you don't.  That's pretty simple in my book.

Glad to hear you think you would have "done fine in the military."  So because you think you would have done, but were NPQ from service you're owed VA benefits...I'm sorry I don't follow your logic at all.  I think I'd have done great at Microsoft when it first started out...so do they owe me millions now?

You're not completely informed on what VA service connected disability compensation is or what the percentages mean or translate into.  Please go here to read up on it:  http://www.va.gov/

Perk, benefit, call it what you will.  I got it, you don't.  This particular thread is intended to help out veterans diagnosed with OSA or veterans suffering from OSA that are looking to receive VA benefits.


Lastly, I may not agree with you, but I've defended your right to free speech and opinion as a uniformed service member, and will continue to do so in my current government civilian job.


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RemStar Pro M-Series with C-Flex jamming 10 cm H20 down my piehole And finally getting a good night's sleep...every night!!!!