How do I prove my sleep apnea is secondary to PTSD?

Can sleep apnea be claimed as a secondary to PTSD?

The short answer: yes. PTSD can lead to sleep apnea. From a VA disability standpoint, this means a Veteran could develop sleep apnea secondary to PTSD and would therefore be entitled to compensation.

What is the VA disability rating for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD?

Diagnostic Code 6847 dictates that sleep apnea that requires the use of a CPAP machine warrants a 50 percent disability rating. Thus, the veteran's sleep apnea already warranted a 50 percent disability rating prior to it being aggravated by PTSD.

How do you prove your sleep apnea is service connected?

Veterans can also prove service connection for sleep apnea by showing that their sleep apnea began in service using service medical records, or by providing a nexus opinion from a medical professional that links their current diagnosis of sleep apnea to signs or symptoms they experienced in service.

Is there a C&P exam for sleep apnea?

What Happens During C&P Exams for Sleep Apnea? During the C&P exam for sleep apnea, the examiners will ask questions about your condition and how it affects you. VA examiners might complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for sleep apnea as well.

VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD

What can sleep apnea be secondary to?

Mental Health Conditions Secondary to Sleep Apnea

Specifically, both anxiety and depression can be linked to sleep apnea. Anxiety and depression can interfere with a person's sleep patterns, as well as cause symptoms of hyperarousal or hypervigilance.

How is sleep apnea Linked to PTSD?

The disturbed sleep caused by sleep apnea can contribute to sleep deprivation that worsens PTSD symptoms, making recovery more difficult. Even if a sleeper doesn't wake up while experiencing OSA symptoms, sleep apneas arouse the sympathetic nervous system, decreasing overall sleep quality.

What can I claim secondary to PTSD?

Do I need a nexus letter for sleep apnea?

To make your case with the VA, you'll need what's known as a “nexus” letter from a doctor. A nexus letter is a letter simply states that your sleep apnea is as likely as not to have been caused by your service-connected PTSD, or another service-connected condition.

How do I write a nexus letter for sleep apnea?

What is the VA rating for sleep apnea?

How Does VA Rate Sleep Apnea Now? Right now, service-connected sleep apnea is assigned a 50 percent rating if you are prescribed a CPAP machine. If you have a CPAP and you also have chronic respiratory failure or similar conditions, you can get a 100 percent rating.

How does the VA rate sleep apnea?

Disability ratings for sleep apnea are assigned at 0, 30, 50, or 100 percent. If sleep apnea causes disordered breathing but no other symptoms, the veteran will be assigned a 0 percent rating, meaning the veteran will not receive any monthly payment amount for sleep apnea.

Can the VA deny a nexus letter?

If your VA claim was denied with a Nexus Letter, the first thing you should do is review your VA rating decision letter in detail, specifically, the section headers marked “Evidence” and “Reasons for Decision.” In the “Evidence” section, make sure your Nexus Letter is listed and was considered by the VA rater.

Can I claim sleep apnea secondary to depression?

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, as secondary to service-connected major depressive disorder.

Why does the VA deny sleep apnea?

The Department denies these claims because they do not have sufficient evidence to conclusively say that a Veteran is suffering from sleep apnea without a diagnosis, even if the Veteran exhibits the symptoms of the disorder.

What symptoms are secondary to PTSD?

How do I pass the VA C&P exam for PTSD?

How do you prove you have PTSD?

Can PTSD cause breathing problems?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as the most common psychological sequela of traumatic experiences, has also been linked to respiratory dysfunction 11–15. For example, large community studies found that subjects with PTSD had a three times higher risk for asthma and COPD than those without PTSD 3, 11.

Can I claim insomnia secondary to sleep apnea?

VA offers service-connected compensation for multiple sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. Importantly, service connection for sleep disorders can be awarded on a direct, secondary, or presumptive basis.

Does the VA check CPAP compliance?

Thus, a well-rounded sleep apnea VA claim will include—along with your prescription for a CPAP or other device—a qualified doctor's medical statement that confirms how and why the apparatus is medically necessary in your case. Without it, your claim has little chance to stand up under the adjudicator's scrutiny.

How do I get my doctor to write a nexus letter?

To obtain a medical nexus letter, you need to request one from a qualified physician. Ideally, the physician you choose is a specialist in the field that encompasses your health condition.

How do I get a nexus letter for PTSD?

Will a VA doctor write a nexus letter?

VA and VA-contracted doctors typically WILL NOT write nexus letters in support of veterans' claims for direct service connection.

Is it a mandatory 50% if issued a CPAP by the VA?

50 percent: The veteran requires the use of a breathing assistance device, such as a CPAP machine. 30 percent: The veteran is experiencing persistent daytime hypersomnolence (i.e. a condition characterized by chronic daytime sleepiness that does not improve even with sufficient sleep).