Has anyone gotten a rating for Sleep Apnea, more so the elective surgery for tissue removal?

2020-07-02T05:53:24-04:00

I just recently had a sleep study and was told that I was a candidate for a surgery to have tissue removed to help with my newly diagnosed sleep apnea. Was wondering how/what the process is for the rating?

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Jul 2 at 2020 5:57 AM

2020-07-02T05:57:33-04:00

Since you are on Active Duty, your doctor has the ability to indicate this surgery would be ‘medically necessary’ and then, you could have the surgery and obtain a SC rating. This requires a good doctor, surgeon, and impeccable medical documentation

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 2 at 2020 11:58 AM

2020-07-02T11:58:54-04:00

I'd rather have sleep without a machine than the VA rating. Sleeping with aCPAP blows, no pun intended.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 12:46 PM

2020-07-02T12:46:12-04:00

You should not be getting VA compensation while on active duty.
There is a VA % rating for apnea, however, if the military (or VA) 'fixes' the problem then the rating could go away. Meaning if the surgery corrects the problem and you no longer have apnea, then you may no longer qualify for compensation. That being said, if it comes back or the procedure is not successful, you could modify your VA claim and receive compensation again. Having everything in your military records is sufficient and will transfer to the VA - but it is always best to have a personal copy in case.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 2 at 2020 1:50 PM

2020-07-02T13:50:09-04:00

Yes you can get a rating for Sleep Apnea. But like others have said that isn't within the scope of AD. Once you get out all of your issues that are service connected can be claimed. Disability ratings don't play into things until you are out.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 2 at 2020 4:02 PM

2020-07-02T16:02:52-04:00

Many doctors aren't too keen on the surgical remedies to address apnea, and I have heard the recovery--even with using "laser scarring" or whatever its called--sucks. So if you are a candidate for it, you might want to find out what your recovery might be like. Either way, good luck.