Hi all-
   I was recently diagnosed with OSA with a AHI of 22.1/hr and an RDI of 24.2/hr.  I spent 45.2% of my time below 90% O2 saturation level.  I understand this isn't exactly severe, but it isn't exactly that great either.  I've been in the military for about 11.5 years now (Air Force) and I was wondering if I could get some help/advice as to what I should do?

I was referred to a physycian downtown (otolaryngologist (sp?)) and they suggested that I get surgery to reduce the number of apneas.  The surgery suggested was UPPP since it seems that the size of my tonsils, uvula could be the cause of this.  From what I understand the surgery isn't exactly effective.  BUT, does it help in the overall effectiveness of CPAP?  Will the military allow me to use CPAP even after surgery?  I would like to eliminate my OSA to 0, but I understand that it's not exactly realistic.  I'm not exactly willing to jump on the OR table, so I was prescribed a CPAP study.  I just want to make sure that I've fully reviewed all of my options before undergoing any procedure.

I also understand that if I go on CPAP I will be required to undergo an MEB, but I was told by my Dr. that the likelyhood of me being deemed Unfit For Duty is highly unlikely.  Any truth to this?

Your help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

i retired this year and i have had the surgery that is being sugested.  i would not recomend it.  if a dr is advacating surgery over trying CPAP i would go slow.  try the CPAP first then think about the surgery

Vetwife wrote:

My husband was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea while on active duty AF in 1999. He stopped breathing 72 times an hour during his first sleep study. We opted for surgery first thing and he has used a CPAP and now BIPAP ever since. He has gone through all types of masks, chin straps, mouth pieces, etc. and still does not get good sleep. He is currently suffering from severe depression. Although he uses his BIPAP religiously, he still wakes several times a night and has to nap several times a day. He no longer has a uvula but he has started snoring again. He struggles for breath while sleeping, has night sweats, wakes with acid reflux, can't concentrate, is irritable, and depressed. It is as though he didn't have his BIPAP. He has a 50% disability rating from the VA and is currently trying to get his disability amended to include the depression, which we feel is directly related to his sleep problems. Unfortunately, no doctor has been able to tell us why he is not responding to the BIPAP nor verify that his depression is related to his sleep apnea (on the rare occasion that he does get restful sleep, his symptoms of depression disappear). My husband is currently inpatient in a psychiatric hospital. He had gotten so despondent and frustrated that he felt he was worth more dead than alive. The quality of his life has been so poor for so long he is close to giving up. Has anyone out there had a similar experience? Has anyone had any luck filing for secondary disability for depression due to sleep apnea? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know if you are still reading this forum, but I just got notified that my appeal of 2003 for depression secondary to service connected migraines has been approved.  My doctor's notes stated that I had depressed mood (major depressive disorder), anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic sleep impairment.  Hope this helps.

Served for 20 years in the military and retired 11 months ago.  I've been exhibiting symptoms of sleep apnea approximately 2 years ago but did not even know what it was until I recently spoke with a Navy friend who has sleep apnea. He even got  50% disability when he retired 3 months ago.   I started researching on the internet and stumbled across this forum.   My question is can I still claim disability
if I show positive on my sleep study?  What do I need to do to prove this was service connected?  I saw a Dr. a few days ago who ordered a sleep study for me.  I am almost 100% sure I will test positive on the test based on my research.  I would really appreciate any help.

I am active duty air force. i have been in just over 4 years. I had knee surgery at my 2 year mark. Then I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 6 months ago after spending 2 years trying to figure out why i am always tired,and eventually ending up falling asleep driving numerous times. During this time i was also diagnosed with depression & having suicidal ideation (which was Primarily due to being so tired.)  I just had the UP3 Surgery a week ago knowing that the sucess rate is very low but i figure its worth a try, (its the most painful thing i have ever gone through) So i still dont know if it helped or not.
About 2 months ago they military said they were going to do a MEB medical board on me. For both using CPAP and depression.  they said they can do the following:
1.Return to duty w/ limitations
2.Medical discharge
3.Temporaritly medically retire
4.Full Retirement

Any similar experiences? and what were the out comes? I shouldnt get my results back untill after new years. This is basically putting my life on hold. I have a wife and 3 kids and really need to start planning on whether i need to look for a new job or if they are going to keep me in the military.

Please Help!
KTA

WhoDat wrote:

I only found out about SA after my retirement from the Marines.  Reggie White's death brought everything to the fore front.  I had the symptoms during my service years but did not relate it with the disorder.  Now, I'm climbing a up hill battle to try and prove to the VA that I did have this illness during my tenor.  I currenlty work for the Air Force and ask the troops here if they've ever heard of it (SA), MOST don't where some have.   I think this forum is great, however there really needs to be more awareness on this subject matter with our troops.

I'll let you know how it all turns out with the VA.

Claim denied.....now I'm really pissed.

Here is a link Veterans can use to apply for benefits through the VA.


http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

The only way to prove that apnea is service connected to have been diagnosed with it while currently on active duty.

magician2000

That is not quite right; you only have to have the symptoms in your med records.   You do not have to have the diagnosis before you are out.

PanMan

All, for you in the Army here is the latest from AR 40-501 dated Dec 07

3–41.
c. Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing that causes daytime hypersomnolence or snoring that interferes with the sleep of others and that cannot be corrected with medical therapy, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), surgery, or an oral appliance. The diagnosis must be based upon a nocturnal polysomnogram and the evaluation of a pulmonologist, neurologist, or a privileged provider with expertise in sleep medicine.
(1) A 12-month trial of therapy with nasal continuous positive air pressure may be attempted to assist with other therapeutic interventions, during which time the individual will be issued a temporary profile. Soldiers with severe sleep apnea and/or symptoms may be referred directly for an MEB. If nasal CPAP is required for longer than 12 months, the Soldiers should be profiled as a permanent P2.
(2) If symptoms of hypersomnolence or snoring can not be controlled with medical therapy, nasal CPAP, surgery or an oral appliance, the individual should be referred for a MEB. If the use of nasal CPAP or other therapies for sleep apneas result in interference with satisfactory performance of duty as substantiated by the individual’s commander or supervisor, the Soldier should be referred to a MEB.

JimK wrote:

All, for you in the Army here is the latest from AR 40-501 dated Dec 07

3–41.
c. Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing that causes daytime hypersomnolence or snoring that interferes with the sleep of others and that cannot be corrected with medical therapy, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), surgery, or an oral appliance. The diagnosis must be based upon a nocturnal polysomnogram and the evaluation of a pulmonologist, neurologist, or a privileged provider with expertise in sleep medicine.
(1) A 12-month trial of therapy with nasal continuous positive air pressure may be attempted to assist with other therapeutic interventions, during which time the individual will be issued a temporary profile. Soldiers with severe sleep apnea and/or symptoms may be referred directly for an MEB. If nasal CPAP is required for longer than 12 months, the Soldiers should be profiled as a permanent P2.
(2) If symptoms of hypersomnolence or snoring can not be controlled with medical therapy, nasal CPAP, surgery or an oral appliance, the individual should be referred for a MEB. If the use of nasal CPAP or other therapies for sleep apneas result in interference with satisfactory performance of duty as substantiated by the individual’s commander or supervisor, the Soldier should be referred to a MEB.

In other words you need to be diagnosed with it before you get out.  It's impossible to fake a sleep study since they can watch your brain waves and see when you are asleep.  That's why sleep apnea is such a large % service connected disability.

Simply having the symptoms in your record could mean any number of things that are not OSA. You must be diagnosed with it.  Having a RX for a CPA is even better for your VA claim.


_________________
RemStar Pro M-Series with C-Flex jamming 10 cm H20 down my piehole And finally getting a good night's sleep...every night!!!! I'm a 45 year old FMAWG...and proud of it.

BGSMSHR
 
According to the DAV and the VA, all that needs to be in your medical records are the symptoms not a diagnosis (the more notes/complantes the better).

PanMan

PanMan wrote:

BGSMSHR
 
According to the DAV and the VA, all that needs to be in your medical records are the symptoms not a diagnosis (the more notes/complantes the better).

PanMan

Not what I was told by the VA rep that did our Transition class in Oct 2007.

I just got an e-mail from my AMVETS advocate that did my VA claim on this as I asked the question of him:

Regarding the statement above by PanMan:

"False!  Anyone can have symptons of something, but if it's not diagnosed, how can the VA service-connect you for disability??  In order to get SC for OSA, two things must be present:  1.  a copy of a sleep study diagnosing you as having it, 2.  and a copy of the CPAP receipt!  You must meet those conditions....."


_________________
RemStar Pro M-Series with C-Flex jamming 10 cm H20 down my piehole And finally getting a good night's sleep...every night!!!! I'm a 45 year old FMAWG...and proud of it.

I am currently l fighting the VA to receive disability for my
SA.  I would like to start a class Action if possible against the VA and those who have been denied for SA.  I would like to hear your stories and see if we can get what is rightfully promised to us.  WE have fought and servied our country.  To be honest it is very hurtfull for our country to turn its back on us after our service.  Please respond if you have had any SA decisions agianst you.

wpostaff wrote:

I am currently l fighting the VA to receive disability for my
SA.  I would like to start a class Action if possible against the VA and those who have been denied for SA.  I would like to hear your stories and see if we can get what is rightfully promised to us.  WE have fought and servied our country.  To be honest it is very hurtfull for our country to turn its back on us after our service.  Please respond if you have had any SA decisions agianst you.

Sadly, IMHO, you should have taken care of it while in the service.   Not years later.  

I don't follow your argument...you can't change the rules after the fact to suite you.


_________________
RemStar Pro M-Series with C-Flex jamming 10 cm H20 down my piehole And finally getting a good night's sleep...every night!!!! I'm a 45 year old FMAWG...and proud of it.