CPAPtalk.com

As a relative of a Veteran, I'm currently serving as his advocate to try to help him get the benefits that he deserves. Like so many Veterans who have served in various wars, he was diagnosed with PTSD. Under that diagnosis, they listed Chronic sleep impairment as one of the factors for that rating but denied him for Sleep Apnea even though he had been diagnosed around the same time as PTSD and has been using a CPAP since his diagnosis. Is sleep apnea more than likely related to chronic sleep impairment?

Yes, of course, but if they mean anything else, it should be explained. Not familiar with US military set-up, but if he has one doctor who acts as his GP, that doctor should help clarify things for him.

I want to be sure I understand. Was he diagnosed with both PTSD and sleep apnea? Assuming that's right, what is being denied to him in relation to sleep apnea?

Miss Emerita wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:31 pm

I want to be sure I understand. Was he diagnosed with both PTSD and sleep apnea? Assuming that's right, what is being denied to him in relation to sleep apnea?

Both good questions.
I'm not sure I understand either but if I have to guess I'm gonna guess that he has a cpap not issued by the VA?
And the VA is saying that a cpap is not a treatment for PTSD?

IF he has had a sleep study and has a copy all he has to do is give a copy to his primary VA doc. That should get the ball rolling. I wouldn't mention anything about any other cpap. The VA being set up like an HMO means everything has to be "referred" by the Primary Gate Keeper.

IF he doesn't have a sleep study then he will need one either at the VA or from outside the VA - either way but I doubt they will provide a cpap w/o a sleep study showing a diagnosis.

Sometimes, this is how we say, "Thanks for your service."
Sorry, but it's high time we fixed that!

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:28 pm

Sometimes, this is how we say, "Thanks for your service."
Sorry, but it's high time we fixed that!

Certainly, I agree but we really need to understand more to be of any help here.

There was a time when I thought that Universal Healthcare might be modeled after the VA - after receiving care at the VA and finding how they are not consistant between states even - for a federal program they have more issues than Advantage Medicare.

Now I'm also finding out the recent attempt at referring the veterans to "Community Healthcare" at their expense when they can't treat in a timely fashion or travel distance is too far is also a sham.

But I digress - we need to find out how we can help PhillipMac here?

If there is any veteran advocate organization you have not yet contacted,
do get in touch with them. Don't stop with one--get them all.
Be a pest--the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Contact your locale Veterans Service Office ( VSO ) or Disabled American Veteran organization ( DAV ) for help. If he has a rating for PTSD then he is in the VA system and there is no charge for his medical bills or CPAP equipment. I googled Chronic sleep impairment and there is other things that cause it other than sleep apnea but the VA does have a disability rating for Chronic sleep impairment. Good Luck.