Is severe sleep apnea considered a disability under Social Security and does anyone here receive benefits from this disorder, even if you have other disabilities?

We had a similar thread here a few months back. See: http://www.apneasupport.org/viewtopic.php?t=15510&highlight=.

Essentially, Social Security Disability provides benefits for people who have paid into the Social Security system who, by nature of illness or disability, are no longer able to work. More information on the guidelines used to determine this can be found here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/d&s1.htm .

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,
Bill

I have had my appeals hearing for SSDI...judge decided to send me to MMPI testing.  It is not the condition itself but what it does to you.  Two equal people could have the same conditions at the same severity however, one person is dealing with it the other is having problems.  Lots of laws.  Also depends on age.  After age 50 they use a grid to help determine if you qualify...I am 48 so they can not grid me...therfore more tests.

My case is not based solely on my SA.  I have other conditions but they make you kind of pick the major problem...mine is fatigue, Primary CNS Hypersomnia.  My other conditions have fatigue as symptoms or the meds to treat/ relieve pain etc, cause fatigue...I can not take most meds due to that.  My file is about 1 foot thick!  or more!

Thanks for the info.  I also have other medical problems which revealed my OSA during an office visit when I fell asleep while the doctor and tech were in the room examining me.  I developed complete sudden hearing loss in my left ear last October and after 2 MRI's the findings revealed a epidermoid tumor impinging on the 8th cranial nerve.  Other than my symptoms from the OSA, I have severe balance issues and am dizzy most of the time, which seems to be worse since I started CPAP last week.  So far I have been adapting well to my mask, but when I turn on my side the force of the air almost blows my wife out of bed.  Right now my rate is 20cm.  From what I've read on this forum that sounds kind of high?  Is it

Yep...it is high pressure.  If you can convince your Dr that you *fail* CPAP you may be able to get a BiLevel machine...don't know if it would help but  with the dizziness being worse....may.   My dr just scripted me a bipap due to aerophagia, vertigo, and other issues.

My DH does not mind the air (only13) but I still put a pillow between us to block it for him.  He says he just dreams that it is Seven of Nine whispering sweet nothings to him.

[quote="acecommander"]Is severe sleep apnea considered a disability under Social Security and does anyone here receive benefits from this disorder, even if you have other disabilities?[/quote
I receive disability for sleep apnea, COPD and obesity.l]

Update:

I just received the judges decision...I am disabled!  I have many conditions which include SA, RLS and Fibromyalgia.


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

I'm applying for disabilty this week. I just got out of the hospital this past thursday for depression....again. I have Fibromyagia, sleep apnea, OCD/depression/anxiety and a bum shoulder. I have never applied before, out of guilt I guess. But I worked for 20yrs, so I know I shouldn't feel that way.


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ResMed Elite II cpap, Respironics OptiLife mask, pressure 11

Rest in the Lord,
Ang

Another sleep site is sponsoring an evening chat regarding disability issues this coming Thursday night.  For those that might be interested:

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-boards/viewtopic.php?t=24409

seajoy wrote:

I'm applying for disabilty this week. I just got out of the hospital this past thursday for depression....again. I have Fibromyagia, sleep apnea, OCD/depression/anxiety and a bum shoulder. I have never applied before, out of guilt I guess. But I worked for 20yrs, so I know I shouldn't feel that way.

You might consider pm'ing Mrs. Rip Van Winkle for some advice.  She just recently got her disability approval.


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OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64/Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07 and 9/30/08
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier 15/10cm
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a