How To Get Sleep Apnea Service Connected

Veterans who suffer from obstructive slumber apnea (OSA) may wake in the morning feeling drained and wearied, then be extremely fatigued all day long. OSA occurs when an individual is sleeping and throat muscles continually relax, blocking the airway and reducing the amount of air that makes information technology into the lungs. This causes the breath to end and get-go throughout the night.

OSA Over 90 percent of veterans who submit claims for OSA were on active duty in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, also as Gulf War I. Information technology's estimated that ix out of x veterans who receive disability benefits for OSA from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are rated 50 percent disabled by this illness. And veterans who suffer from service-continued OSA may also have secondary medical conditions, including depression.

Proving Service-Connected OSA

Information technology'due south not easy to prove your OSA is service-connected. In 2013–2014, the Board of Veterans Appeals denied over 70 percent of slumber apnea appeals by veterans. This means approximately three of four veterans will exist denied their sleep apnea claims and appeals.

Thus, you need to provide potent lay evidence most the symptoms you experienced while in service such equally:

Interrupted breathing at night
Loud snoring
Gasping for air
Dry mouth
Extreme daytime exhaustion

Additionally, you need your doctor'south medical opinion that explains how these symptoms are "more likely than non" linked to sleep apnea during your service. If your dr. can found a directly connection between your symptoms and your time in the military machine, you may be able to bear witness service-connected OSA.

Contact Cuddigan Law

If you're a veteran who wants to bear witness your OSA is service-continued, telephone call Cuddigan Law. Our VA attorneys take years of feel handling veterans' claims, and we're happy to handle yours. We'll examine your case, develop the best strategy, and work with y'all to submit a claim or appeal a deprival that increases your chances of receiving disability benefits. Contact our office today.