Sleep apnea VA disability claims account for nearly 1 in 4 respiratory claims.Īccording to the VBA, there were over 282,300 service-connected sleep apnea claims that were awarded in 2017. Sleep apnea is becoming a bigger problem in the United States Armed Forces.Īccording to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the three types of sleep apnea (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) lead the way in terms of service-connected respiratory disabilities. The next step is to prove that the medical condition is “service-connected”. It is often the only way to get a clear medical diagnosis of sleep apnea. Related Article – 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military Sleep Apnea Rating Schedule for 2020 VA Hospitals and clinics can perform a sleep study that examines you while you sleep. It can lead to serious or life-threatening complications like high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems. Sleep apnea can affect anyone, even children. There are other lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco which may contribute to sleep apnea. Males are traditionally more prone to sleep apnea along with older age and excess weight. Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, and service members are proving to be extra vulnerable to the medical condition. The medical condition severely impacts your ability to get a deep, restful night’s sleep. In general, sleep apnea episodes like snorting, gasping, or choking for air can repeat itself 5-30x or more an hour, all night. However, the momentary awakening is usually so brief that most patients do not remember a sleep apnea episode. The brain recognizes this imbalance and usually attempts to viciously wake you from sleep due to the inability to breathe. When the muscles in the back of your throat start to relax, your airway also narrows.Īs a result, victims of sleep apnea in the military do not get enough oxygen to their blood. The two most common types of sleep apnea generally affect the muscles in your throat that control breathing. It is difficult to diagnosis the correct type of sleep apnea without speaking to a medical professional since many of the symptoms overlap. Moreover, most patients with a form of sleep apnea report either difficulty staying asleep (insomnia) or excessive sleep patterns (hypersomnia). Episodes where you stop breathing while sleeping (reported by another individual).Difficulty staying focused or paying attention.The signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea are similar.Īccording to the Mayo Clinic, most patients suffer from one or more of the following symptoms: There are forms of treatment that can ease symptoms and prevent major heart problems in the future. If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, consult a doctor as soon as possible. The military utilizes VA disability ratings to determine the severity of the Obstructive, Central, or Mixed Sleep Apnea. The VA reports that nearly 1 in 4 respiratory claims for VA disability benefits is linked to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has become the most prevalent service-connected respiratory disability for military personnel. Armed Forces generally refer to Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome as “Mixed” sleep apnea. Meanwhile, Central Sleep Apnea is different from Obstructive Sleep Apnea because the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.Ĭomplex Sleep Apnea Syndrome is the most serious form where the patient suffers from both Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form and occurs when throat muscles relax while sleeping. Therefore, patients that feel tired after a full night’s rest or snore loudly may suffer from the medical condition. While there are a few different types of sleep apnea, the general diagnosis is that breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout a sleep session. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that disrupts natural breathing habits during periods of rest. The irregular breathing patterns have been linked with asthma, mental health conditions, and PTSD in the military. Related Article: 15 Best States For Military Retirees And Veterans What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a potentially serious medical condition that may require the use of a breathing device. The military treats patients by designating a VA disability rating based on the severity of the diagnosis.Ĭontinue reading to learn more about sleep apnea and how to file a claim for VA disability benefits. Sleep apnea is a condition that negatively impacts a rising number of service members. The medical condition causes erratic breathing patterns while sleeping.Ĭonsequently, you may snore extremely loudly or feel tired even after a full night’s rest. Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that disrupts your quality of life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |