CPAP & Sleep Apnea

Hello all,

First time poster, long-time reader. After searching through the forums I can't find an answer so here goes my question.

Long story short, I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea through a QTC appointment. My NARSUM states that my sleep apnea can be controlled using a CPAP, my attorney also told me that will likely be a 30% rating without a CPAP and a 50% with a CPAP. The issue I am having is how do I start the process of getting a prescription for a CPAP? Is it a VA issue since I was diagnosed during C&P exam? Is it a DOD issue since I am still active duty? I have a lot of paperwork from the sleep study clinic stating that I have mild sleep apnea (12 per hour) but there is no CPAP prescription. I called the sleep clinic at Madigan Medical Center at JBLM and was told that they couldn't help me since they didn't administer the test. I called the company that did my sleep study (Somonology i think?) and was told that I needed to contact QTC. When I called QTC they told me that my exams were all finalized and that they can't help me. I've called the JBLM ombudsman office a few times, no one ever answers and no one calls back when I leave a voice mail. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your help. Godspeed warriors.

Is there no one doctor overseeing all of your medical care? They'd be the one to either write the script or refer having it done to one other medical person.

And just curious (from Canada) - what is a NARSUM?

Julie wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:08 am

And just curious (from Canada) - what is a NARSUM?

It has to do with US active military and how the condition might impact either ability to continue to serve or perhaps any sort of disability rating should someone be leaving the service.

https://www.hillandponton.com/meb-process/

Your Narrative Summary (NARSUM)

Your physician will also prepare your NARSUM. This is a separate document that simply describes your case history and the severity of your medical condition. The NARSUM will also explain how your condition affects your ability to perform your military duties. Your doctor will also provide his or her assessment about whether your medical issues are service-related (incurred in the line of duty) or whether they existed prior to service (EPTS). All that will be part of your NARSUM, which will be in your MEB file.

I am stating my opinions on what is going on based on my own experience when I retired from the military several years ago. Was your C&P exam performed in conjunction of your separation from the military, or to determine your suitability for staying in the military? If you are separating, then your CPAP needs will be handled through the VA. If you stay in the service, your CPAP needs will be handled by the military medical facility. The people that did the C&P exam were contracted to do an evaluation, only. They are contracted to provide treatment and are no authorized to prescribe a machine. Once your case is decided and a final ruling is made, then you will start your treatment. Right now, you are in limbo, caught up in the paper work shuffle. There are many member of the military who serve while being treated for sleep apnea, so it should not be an automatic discharge from the military unless they are in a draw down situation, then any small medical condition can be used as a cause for discharge. I wish you the best regardless of what actions the military chooses to take.

. . . And that is how we thank you for your service.

Julie wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:08 am

Is there no one doctor overseeing all of your medical care? They'd be the one to either write the script or refer having it done to one other medical person.

And just curious (from Canada) - what is a NARSUM?

NARSUM is short for "Narrative Summary" (I had to look that one up myself).

In the U.S., one should have a "primary care physician (PCP)." Not everybody does, especially those who live in states that refuse to do medicare expansion. Patients in the US should always make sure that a report is sent their PCP when seeing a specialist or any doctor outside of the PCP's medical group or practice.