Secure Your Sleep Apnea Claim: Unveiling Scientific Evidence
How Veterans Can Win a Sleep Apnea Claim
If you’re a veteran, there’s a good chance you have sleep apnea whether you know it or not. It’s also a condition that, if service-connected, could be worth more than $1,000 per month. This article will walk you through exactly how to win your sleep apnea claim before the process becomes even more restrictive.
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed yet or if decades have passed since your military service, this guide will show you the exact path to success. Plus, we include scientific evidence and real case examples to support your claim.
Understanding Sleep Apnea vs. Insomnia
Many people confuse sleep apnea with insomnia. Sleep apnea is a respiratory condition where you experience breathing interruptions during sleep, called “events.” In contrast, insomnia is the inability to fall or stay asleep. During a sleep study, doctors are looking for those breathing interruptions, not just poor sleep.
If diagnosed with sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s crucial to use your CPAP or APAP machine as prescribed. Untreated sleep apnea can significantly shorten your lifespan.
VA Rating for Sleep Apnea
Currently, sleep apnea typically garners a 50% VA disability rating if diagnosed and prescribed a CPAP or APAP machine. You do not have to prove that you use the machine to qualify for the rating, but this policy may change soon. Veterans should act promptly to initiate claims under the current rules.
Claiming Sleep Apnea: Secondary Conditions
Many veterans will file a secondary claim to link sleep apnea to an existing service-connected condition. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A current diagnosis of sleep apnea from a sleep study.
- A service-connected condition that could cause or aggravate sleep apnea.
- A Nexus letter from a medical professional connecting the sleep apnea to your service-connected condition.
Common Conditions Linked to Sleep Apnea
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
If you are service-connected for GERD (even at 0%), you can claim sleep apnea secondary to GERD. Peer-reviewed scientific studies support this connection, including a meta-analysis from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Weight Gain and Obesity
Obesity is a primary risk factor for sleep apnea. If you are service-connected for a condition that led to weight gain — such as back pain, knee injuries, depression, or medication side effects — you can use obesity as an interim step to link your sleep apnea to military service. Scientific studies from PubMed support this relationship.
This approach requires a clear explanation in your personal statement and a Nexus letter stating that your service-connected condition caused obesity, which in turn caused sleep apnea.
Building Your Sleep Apnea Claim
To maximize your chances of success:
- Personal Statement: Clearly explain how your service-connected condition led to weight gain or contributed to sleep apnea.
- Nexus Letter: Obtain a letter from a qualified doctor connecting your sleep apnea to your service-connected condition, directly or through obesity.
- Scientific Evidence: Attach studies supporting your claim when submitting your application on VA.gov.
Helpful resources for obtaining free Nexus letters and templates are available through reputable online services.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a serious condition, and service-connecting it can significantly impact your monthly VA compensation. Using secondary conditions and scientific evidence, many veterans have successfully claimed benefits even decades after service. Start now before new VA rules potentially make it harder to qualify.
Disclaimer: Some portions of this article reflect opinion and personal experience regarding VA claims processes. While we strive to provide accurate and useful information, every veteran’s situation is unique. Always consult a qualified VA-accredited representative or attorney for individualized assistance.