How long does a VA sleep study take?

In addition to the pressure of falling asleep amid watching eyes, you may be concerned about the actual VA sleep study process. How do they get all those monitoring wires on you and will the connections hurt? This is a completely painless procedure that usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

How long is a VA sleep study?

A typical VA sleep study lasts only one night. However, there are several types of VA sleep studies, and some may last longer than others.

What if I can't sleep during a sleep study?

What happens if I can't sleep during my sleep study? Oftentimes, if a patient cannot sleep, we will allow them to take melatonin or even Benadryl. All we need is a few hours of sleep data to make a proper diagnosis, so don't stress if you didn't get a full night of sleep.

How long does it take to get results from sleep study?

It may take you a few days or weeks to get your results. It's possible that the results may not provide enough information, and your doctor may recommend an in-lab polysomnography. At a follow-up appointment, your doctor reviews the results with you.

How does the VA check for sleep apnea?

NOTE: The diagnosis of sleep apnea must be confirmed by a sleep study; provide sleep study results in Diagnostic testing section. If other respiratory condition is diagnosed, complete the Respiratory and / or Narcolepsy Questionnaire(s), in lieu of this one.

Tips for Veterans Going In for a VA Disability Sleep Study

Is it hard to claim sleep apnea with VA?

But there are several challenges to winning veterans (VA) disability for sleep apnea, and many veterans receive denials after they apply. The legal team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD can help you file an appeal and prove your sleep apnea is a result of an in-service illness, injury, or event.

Is sleep apnea hard to prove for VA disability?

A sleep apnea diagnosis alone will not qualify for VA benefits unless you can prove that it was connected in some way to your service. This almost always requires a strong medical opinion. Providing copies of research alone will not give VA decision-makers what they need.

Will a sleep study show anxiety?

However, the test cannot diagnose or confirm a mental health condition. Instead, the results will show if you have poor quality sleep or insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or another sleep disorder, which could be a sign or symptom of a mental health disorder.

Do you have to sleep on your back during a sleep study?

“For the most accurate home sleep apnea reading, it's best to have sleep time on your back and side,” Patil says. Sleep apnea is typically worse when sleepers are on their backs, and side sleeping can ease apnea.

Can I go to the bathroom during a sleep study?

“Most people sleep better than they expect. The technicians are very reassuring too.” If you have to use the bathroom during the study, just say so. The technician monitoring your sleep will disconnect the wires for you.

Do you get to watch TV during a sleep study?

Many people believe that the sleep test center is cold and harshly lit but, in fact, sleep studies are conducted in comfortable, hotel-like rooms to make the environment conducive to sleep. You can bring your own pillow, watch TV, read, and even wear your pajamas.

Do they watch you during a sleep study?

“You arrive around 9 o'clock at night, meet with a technician and they hook you up with a whole lot of electrodes on your scalp, chin, chest and legs, and they watch you while you sleep,” says sleep medicine physician Aris Iatridis, M.D. Most patients are discharged early the next morning.

Can I listen to music during sleep study?

When you get to your room, you can change into your pajamas or any clothes you're comfortable sleeping in. You'll then be able to relax for a while –feel free to watch TV, quietly listen to music or read.

What happens at a VA sleep study?

Sleep studies (polysomnograms) generally take place in a sleep lab during a person's normal sleeping period. The study records brain waves, breathing and and body activity that occur during sleep with the purpose of diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders.

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 is the average VA rating for sleep apnea?

If you have a CPAP and you also have chronic respiratory failure or similar conditions, you can get a 100 percent rating. If you don't need a CPAP but experience chronic, excessive daytime sleepiness you get 30 percent. The most common rating for service-connected sleep apnea is 50 percent based on needing a CPAP.

Do you wear pajamas to a sleep study?

Make sure to bring everything you would normally take to spend the night away from home. Pajamas are required. Men may wear shorts.

Can I use my phone during a sleep study?

You will be asked by your tech to turn off any cell phones, pagers, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices you may have with you during your entire test. Any emergent calls can be placed to the Sleep Center at 651-254-8150, Option 3, and the tech will relay the message to you.

Can you wear a bra during a sleep study?

Pajamas or top and bottom sleep clothes. Women may wear a bra underneath. Favorite pillow, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other toiletries you may need after the study, plus a change of clothes if needed.

Can a sleep study detect PTSD?

In polysomnographic studies, PTSD is characterized by reduced SWS and increased REM density (36, 37) as well as REMS fragmentation (38). These characteristics may well result from increased noradrenergic tone during (REM) sleep in PTSD patients (39, 40).

Is sleep apnea and anxiety a VA disability?

VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Anxiety and Depression. According to Diagnostic Code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, the VA rates your sleep apnea secondary to anxiety and depression on a 0% to 100% scale. A rating of 100% qualifies you for total disability benefits or TDIU.

How do you pass a sleep study?

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

Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and it's rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). The most common VA rating for Sleep Apnea is 50%, which requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

What is the most approved VA disability?

A 100% VA Disability Rating is the highest combined rating a veteran can receive for VA Disability. It is also known as a Total Rating.

How does VA prove insomnia?

Insomnia itself does not have a diagnostic code under the VA rating schedule. The disability is currently rated by analogy to a mental health disorder, and the Board finds that the diagnostic codes for mental health disorders most closely approximate the Veteran's insomnia.