Good sleep equals good health. An individual needs as many hours as they need to get a good night’s rest. But for many, a good night’s sleep isn’t something that happens like it should.
Sleep problems affect as much as 70% of the population at one time or another. Among veterans, the rate is about 20%, with the rate increasing to 87% of veterans between the ages of 55 and 89. These numbers are irrespective of socio-economic class or other demographic.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that sleep disorders have seen a dramatic rise in the veteran population. The article from the journal Sleep reports that sleep apnea was the most commonly diagnosed condition at 47% of the 9.7 million veterans studied. (Insomnia was second, at 26%.) Veterans with pre-existing PTSD are associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea and other disorders. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that claims for sleep apnea have increased fourfold in the last several years, with more veterans requesting tests and applying for benefits.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is repeatedly obstructed while you’re asleep, forcing you to start breathing again. (The Mayo Clinic has more information.) Because you don’t always wake up, you might not be aware. But snoring and drowsy fatigue upon rising are signs that you might be experiencing sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea has three different causes, but all lead to the same outcome. Lack of sleep can lead to other conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, headaches, memory problems, stroke, diabetes, and depression. Drowsiness can lead to things like car crashes and other accidents if left untreated.
Although anyone of any age can find themselves with sleep apnea, it’s most common in men over 40, particularly if they are overweight. Diagnosis requires a sleep study to confirm apnea.
After a diagnosis, the usual treatment involves a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This device forces air into nasal passages that’s strong enough to bypass any obstruction and promote more normal breathing. Because it’s a treatment and not a cure, a CPAP must be worn nightly, or the patient experiences a return of apnea symptoms.
Getting Benefits For Sleep Apnea
Because sleep apnea may develop after your discharge, there may be no reason to have a sleep study done. Veterans in line-of-fire combat situations are not likely to request a sleep study while deployed, and sleep problems are usually tied to the occupation.
Like any condition, the VA is looking for one thing: a service connection.
The first step is to actually get a diagnosis, although that doesn’t guarantee a rating and benefits. Either your sleep apnea was caused by or aggravated by your time in the service.
The next step is to gather the medical evidence you need to establish a connection between your time in the service and your sleep apnea diagnosis.
If you have other conditions that are already service-connected, such as PTSD, your sleep apnea could be what’s called a “secondary service connected” issue. Sleep apnea could also be the cause of another condition.
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center has a full diagnostic testing lab for veterans. The website also includes printable PDFs with information on better sleep.
But if you are experiencing severe sleeping problems, it’s important to get started on a sleep study and getting treatment (including a CPAP, if possible), even if it’s not service connected, so that you can start sleeping better. There are organizations that can help you get a CPAP if you’re unable to afford one on your own. Your doctor can work with you to determine if it is, in fact, service connected, and write a prescription for the CPAP.
If your claim for sleep apnea has been denied, it’s time to enlist the help of an attorney who understands the VA disability claim system.
Helping Houston’s Veterans With Sleep Apnea Claims
William Herren has worked with veterans in the Houston area for more than 30 years to help them get their VA disability benefits. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and with our contingency fee arrangement, we don’t charge a fee until we win your case.