Is Sleep Apnea A Disability

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Is severe sleep apnea a disability in the state of New York?
   Just wondering. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea with 90 interruptions per hour. Is this considered a disability in the state of New York?

   • ANSWER:
     no, i don't think it would be. sleep apnea is quite treatable with use of a cpap or bipap machine.

     now, if you let it go untreated, you will *eventually* develop a disability, as you will probably develop heart failure from the strain on your heart.

2. QUESTION:
   Can I claim Disability for Sleep Apnea as a result from leaving the military?
   I am suffering from a sleeping disorder after leaving the military. If there is no record of this in my medical record, can I still make a Disability claim with the VA? I am currently having severe sleeping problems after leaving the military with 9 years of service!

   • ANSWER:
     yes you can make a claim and win...you will need proof from a m.d. and also a psychiatrist stating that you can not work 12 consecutive months. you will also need a lawyer who specializes in disability. disability lawyers do not charge you unless you win the case. so you have nothing to lose. also be prepared to wait at least 1 1/2 to 2 years from beginning to end for this process. good luck

3. QUESTION:
   Military disability, Sleep apnea and out of pocket CPAP cost?
   I am currently in the United States Army and I was recently diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. The doctor told me that I will have to use a CPAP machine to help me get better sleep at night. I have done some research and found out that I will be eligible for 50% disability, and some of the disability money will be used for CPAP parts. I was wondering on average how much "out of pocket money" do theses parts cost.
   the first answer is great not to high of a out of pocket cost but I was wondering if there were monthly parts you need to buy and if so how much they cost

   • ANSWER:
     Generally. your military insurance benefits will cover CPAP if you meet the criteria. You can always find equipement online for cheaper, but generally, to get the support needed (and have insurance cover it), you will get it from a DME supplier. I believe Tricare covers CPAP and supplies at 100%. After you get the CPAP, humidifier, mask, headgear, tubing, and filters, it is recommended that you replace the mask, headgear, tubing, filters, and water chamber every 6 months and this too is covered. There are pieces and parts covered more frequently, but not needed if not broken.

     There is no need use disability as there are many 100% functioning people who have sleep apnea.

4. QUESTION:
   Can i get disability check for Sleep Apnea?
   Can i get disability check for Sleep Apnea? I am almost 18 and about to be kicked out of home.Me and my brother and a couple friends are getting a apartment together and i cant find a job and i need money and i have sleep apnea i use a oxygen machine to sleep at night and was wondering if i could get a disability check and pay my rent with it.How much money would i get?

   • ANSWER:
     I have no idea sorry but I sympathise with your situation and hope it all works out for you.

5. QUESTION:
   Is a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea considered a disability by the US government?

   • ANSWER:
     i dont believe so . my sister has it there are many treatments that alleviate the problem . the c pap or surgery or losing weight or the chief ways to solve the problem

6. QUESTION:
   is sleep apnea a disability?
   speaks for itself.

   • ANSWER:
     I've known many folks over the years who have had mild and severe sleep apnea as well as other sleep disorders. They all have maintained active, productive lives, so my answer is no. But it depends on what the appropriate physician has to say; and, if you get a good lawyer, in this day and age you might be able to get Social Security Disability benefits if that's what you're looking for. Sad but true.

7. QUESTION:
   Is sleep apnea a disability?If yes how and why...?

   • ANSWER:
     First of all I have sleep apnea! Now I do not consider it a disability I can outwork probably many 20 year old kids and I am 61 years old! Now does the government consider me disabled and give me brownie points or my employer special consideration for hiring me ... absolutely NO! I really do not view it as a disability nor should it be considered a disability as it is easily treated! It is treated with sleep and a CPAP machine ! There are really extreme and I mean extreme cases of apnea which do require surgery but on the whole all most all are handled by either a CPAP or BiPAP machine with no "cuttiing" away at body parts!

     And the machine is NOT carried around on a hand cart with a oxygen bottle it STAYS at home besides the bed with no oxygen other than that which is in the air! So it is no big deal! We live a darn normal life unless I invite you to come home with me! The outside world has no knowledge of a sleep apnea problem!

     Except if we refuse treatment and we go to sleep at the wheel and Kill a dozen or so people while driving then I think it would be negligent manslaughter or second degree murder and about 15 to 20 years to consider !

     Not a DISability so much as a LIabiliy !!

     How bout that!

     APS

8. QUESTION:
   Is Sleep Apnea considered a disability in New York?

   • ANSWER:
     discuss this with your SSDI case worker & physician.

9. QUESTION:
   Is sleep apnea a disease or a disability?
   Ive been hearing that some say yes its a disability and no its not.. Its something new come into my life and i will be going back for more tests... Can someone help me understand it?Please answer if you really know about it..

   • ANSWER:
     It's neither. I would call it a medical condition. Snoring which is part of it is not a disability. My husband has apnoea and leads a normal life.
     UK

10. QUESTION:
    i have a date for my disability 4 sleep apnea what are some of the things they will ask me?

    • ANSWER:
      Questions might be what differentiates you from 12 million other people in this country, that are actively employed and have sleep apnea?
      Have you consulted with a pulmanologist/sleep specialist?
      What where their recommendations?
      Have you followed them?
      Have you received medical treatment to maintain wakefulness ?
      Are you presently being treated with CPAP/BiPAP?
      If not effective, why ?
      Do you smoke and have you participated in a cessation program.?
      Are you overweight ? If so, what treatment have you received ?
      Do you have existing heart disease ?
      Have you received an ear nose and throat evaluation(ENT) re: surgical intervention ?
      Do you use alcohol or sedating medications ?
      I hope this may help answer some of their questions.
      This give reference to the many medical and surgical interventions that improve sleep apnea.
      Your health record may answer some, if not all of them but I would not give you a great deal of encouragement of succeeding.
      Disability implies the inability to perform the many "activities if daily living", which include the basic requirements of life.
      I think that you would be hard pressed to attribute this/these dysfunctions to sleep apnea, alone.

11. QUESTION:
    Will social security disability cover a person with sleep apnea?
    What if you are on all the drugs, using the CPAP, and still very sick? Can you get social security disability?

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep adnea is a treateble disease. It is soooo common that if all people with sleep apnea got disability, American workforce would be cut by 2/3!

      Have your CPAP adjusted, U might need a surgery to remove that thing that hangs in your throat. Lose weight if you must.

12. QUESTION:
    MEB Disability do I get compensated for the pacemaker and sleep apnea or just one or the other?
    I have recently got a pacemaker installed I was diagnosed with sleep apnea two years ago and found fit for duty for just the sleep apnea. I was told I will have to get another MEB done because of the pacemaker. My question is when they are considering a percentage from the Air Force will they consider both the pacemaker and the sleep apnea or just the pacemaker because they found it unfit for duty but found the sleep apnea fit for duty?

    • ANSWER:
      When the Military does the MEB, it will be for the ONE condition that makes you unfit for duty.
      They will rate you on that one condition to determine amount of retired pay.
      It will be either the % of rating or standard formula, whichever is higher.
      Then you can apply to VA for disability and they will consider all conditions for their rating.

      http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI36-3212.pdf

      http://www.medicalcorpse.com/medstandardsbrief1.ppt#349,3,Overview

13. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea considered a mental or physical disablity?Apt app requires PHYSICAL disability?
    Is sleep apnea/bipolar/ocd...and of those considered PHYSICAL disability (as opposed to psychiatrict). I want to apply for an apartment, but it says you must have a physical disability....

    • ANSWER:
      sleep apnea is very definitely a physical disability
      the others are mental ,but your councilor should be able to help you get an apartment,as this disables a person too

14. QUESTION:
    Is Severe Sleep Apnea classed as a Disability ?
    I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea last year, after years of feelling tired all the time, no matter how much sleep i had.
    I am recieving treatment from the Sleep Clinic at the hospital, i have to use a CPAP machine at night, which helps to keep my airways open, so that i can breathe properly.
    If i dont use the machine, i am absolutely shattered all day.
    As i have Severe sleep apnea, ive been told at the hospital that i must continue with CPAP indefinately, as sleep apnea can cause heart attack whilest asleep, or death from stopping breathing.
    Apparently i stop breathing up to 300 times a night !!! ;(
    When i wake up after using CPAP, it takes a good 3/4 hours to properly feel alert, and still feel tired, and often forgetful and not very good co-ordination.
    I am currently recieving Employment Support Allowance, for Mental Health problems, and i wondered whether i need to inform DWP of my latest condition, Sleep Apnea, as im currently in the WRAG Group not the Support Group ??
    Thankyou.
    I was told at the Sleep Clinic at the Hospital, that i have Severe Sleep Apnea, and that it is Serious !!
    If you dont use your CPAP machine at night, you may have a heart attack and not wake up.
    That sounds serious to me !!
    Your parents may have mild/moderate sleep apnea, but at whatever level, it is serious, i dont use a CPAP for fun !!
    This answer is for the person who thinks its not an issue ? ? ?
    YEAYEASH
    FOXY Thankyou very much that info is a great help, much appreciated.
    THANKYOU WILLIAM . W MUCH APPRECIATED ADVICE.

    • ANSWER:
      I listened to a radio show about this, and I'm no expert. But if it's not controlled, then it can become a very big issue, especially if you drive a vehicle. There was a lorry driver that killed someone when driving his truck when he went to sleep at the wheel and drove into the back of a car. He was later diagnosed with sleep apnoea, and riddled with grief, he came onto the radio show to explain how he got around the lack of proper REM' sleep that caused the fatal crash. I think he was now wearing that simple device you mentioned in order to assist his sleep, and he has returned to driving his truck, but also spends much of his time explaining to others about the importance of controlling sleep apnoea.
      I don't know if I would class it as a disability or not because I'm no expert, but certainly it will cause you a disadvantage against someone that gets a normal good night's kip, so I do sympathise, but I would have thought that the NHS would be able to give you full backing and any advice needed.

      Here's a link I found from the British Sleep Apnoea Association. Maybe if you put yourself in touch with them and join their forum, you may be able to get a more informed answer than many on here with give you. I hope that might help you.

      http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php

15. QUESTION:
    I need disability insurance. I've been declined by several companies due to a diagnosis of sleep apnea-hints?
    The apnea diagnosis is so slight that I do not require treatment with a C-PAP machine. I'm surprised that I've been declined. Does anyone have any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      You can't appeal a denial of policy issuance, as there are no laws requiring that an insurance company ISSUE a policy. They can deny to issue for any reason.

      Apnea tends to get worse, not better. So that's one reason. Additionally, it's usually accompanied by being overweight, which can be another decline reason.

      Your best bet, is to try to get your doctor to reverse that diagnosis. OR, to get your disability coverage through a group plan, with your employer. That's about it.

16. QUESTION:
    Can OSA (Obstructive Sleep apnea ) be regarded as a disability ?
    I have been disagnosed with a chronic version of this sleep disorder and need to know if I have to declare it on forms etc

    • ANSWER:
      No. OSA is only disabling if you choose not to use the therapies available to you. And even then most insurance companies, Social Security, etc will not acknowledge OSA as a true disability.

17. QUESTION:
    Is Tooth extraction, Sleep Apnea, TMJ, retrognathia, halitosis, Snoring, learning disability all interelated?
    Hi i'am a 23 male, i had my 4 premolars extracted when i was around 14, recently i was diagnoised with sleep apnea and TMJ disorder. I did not know i had such problems since the time my teeth gaps closed, but i only went to see a maxiolfacial surgeon because my roomates were mad said i snored and choked alot and loud in my sleep. I thought this was normal for most of my life, but through research i found out that tooth extraction leads to sleep apnea, TMJ, personality, learning diability; and are all interelated. It has also caused my tongue to be too big for my lower jaw and has a part in sleep apnea. My surgeon has recommended me several options and told me to cut my mandiable and jaw and have them extended. Are there any ways to solve these problems? Can't i have tooth implants to reverse the damage done by tooth extraction?? i also think tooth extraction should be illegal, unless it is life threatening. Any suggestions? esp "tooth975" Alot of people thought i was a very cute kid when they see my 8 and under pictures, they usually reply "what happened to you?"
    i only say learning disability because i'm deprived of sleep. I don't get deep sleep, because whenever i do reach that stage of deep sleep my tongue muscles relax so much that i choke on my own tongue, hence the sleep apnea. i already did the sleep study and they say i have it. My tongue only chokes me because my lower jaw is too small to contain my tongue, due to tooth extraction. What i'm trying to say is that tooth extraction leads to a smaller mandible which can lead to TMJ and sleep apnea, and a change in facial profile. But i want an expert to confirm this, since i'm not qualified to have my statements to be true. But i think there is a high chance that this is probably true.

    • ANSWER:

18. QUESTION:
    i have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and also uncontrolled hypertension, am i entitled to claim a disability?
    i am not upto working on my feet allday anymore i want to know if i can claim help on diability benefit whilst i work 21 hours..

    • ANSWER:
      The short answer is no. Unless your hypertension has caused organ damage resulting in a loss of function, you are out of luck. SSA doesn't care about sleep apnea.

19. QUESTION:
    how do you obtain disability insurance if you're diagnosed with sleep apnea?
    After 20 yrs in the same hospital, I'm leaving my pharmacist job to work as an independent contractor. In preparation for my move, I applied for disability insurance thru a large insurance company but was denied coverage because I was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

    Any suggestions out there? Will this continue to haunt me? I had the test done because my wife said I snored too much. Had I never been tested, I'd be on my merry way with a disability policy in hand.

    • ANSWER:
      You likely will not be able to obtain coverage. Sleep Apnea is rather expensive for an insurance company due to the high costs of CPAP machines and masks. The only way around this might be to convince an insurance company to let you sign a waiver absolving them from having to cover your Sleep Apnea.

20. QUESTION:
    When was Sleep Apnea first recognized as an actual sickness or disability?
    When was Sleep Apnea first recognized as an actual sickness or disability? I was in the military from '73-'77 and had all the symptoms but I was young and was never concerned with the effects. Once out of the military, symptoms persisted and was eventually told by the VA and civilian doctors tha I had OSA and have been on a CPAP for over 15 years now. Even after a LAUPP and G-BAT(VA) surgery I still have OSA and still have to use the CPAP. I am trying to service connect my OSA. Please help.

    • ANSWER:
      > When was Sleep Apnea first recognized as an actual sickness or disability?

      It was first identified as specific clinical condition circa 1965, however the condition was at first associated specifically with a number of gross presentations involving congestive heart disease etc. It is not clear when the recognition of the condition in less severe forms became apparent, but even in 1981 when the first CPAP treatment was successfully applied, the treatment was aimed at individuals with significant co-morbidities.

      Prior to CPAP, the treatment most often recommended was tracheotomy, so it was not a diagnosis which would be made lightly!

      > I was in the military from '73-'77

      I would think you will have extreme difficulty in establishing a link between OSA and your military service. OSA as we know it today would not have been well indentified at that time, so probably could not have been reasonably diagnosed in an otherwise fit individual. Also if you were displaying symptoms over the entire time of your military service, it is likely it was a pre-existing condition in any case.

21. QUESTION:
    Which disability insurance policy should I choose?
    If I decline benefits at work, I can get an additional per hour, which works out to be ,080 per year. I've already switched to my wife's plan for health, dental, & vision coverage, which is less than half of what I pay for individual coverage with my current company. I also was able to get a life insurance policy at a competitive rate. My issue is with disability insurance. I have a history of sleep apnea which is now so mild that my doctor says that treatment is not needed. Metlife has quoted me a policy for 5 year term of disability coverage for per month with no exclusions. Mutual of Omaha has given me a quote of 6.87 for disability coverage until I turn 67, but they are exlcuding any disability due to or related to sleep apnea. Which disability coverage policy should I chose, or should I just stay with my employers plan and not worry about the extra ,080 I would get by declining benefits with them?
    Thanks for the replies! The policies have a 90 day exclusion period then are in force for 5 years with a qualifying disability for Metlife and till age 67 for Mutual of Omaha, which has the sleep apnea exclusion. The monthly benefit is 00.
    Thanks again for the replies. Do you think the limited benefit period of 5 years is a problem or is the chance of me having a catastrophic illness or injury very remote? My employer's short and long-term disability group policy would provide coverage until age 65 if I were to become permanently disabled (60% of pay) and there are no pre-existing condition exclusions. However, as I mentioned before, I would forfeit the extra ,080 per year by keeping the policy. What are your thoughts?
    Yes, these are offers. Yes, I did go through two different agents initially. The insurance broker with the Metlife agent has given me all the pluses and minuses of my three choices and is leaving the decision up to me. I'm definitely leaning towards the metlife policy.

    • ANSWER:
      First of all, kudos for realizing that this is probably the best possible use of that extra /hour. Normally, one needs disability insurance more than one needs life insurance, since one is more than three times as likely to be disabled during one's working years than to die; and when one is disabled, living expenses usually increase.

      "What the?" makes a good point regarding the taxability of the benefit; this is irrelevant however, since all individual policies provide a tax-free benefit (as opposed to group plans, for which benefits are taxed proportionally to the portion of the premium paid by the employer). Given that your additional pay more than covers the premium and your benefits are tax-free, the individual plan is by far the preferable one.

      And unless you have an emergency fund of at least 7-10 times your annual income, self-insuring is not an option.

22. QUESTION:
    How long does it take VA benefits to kick in?
    I'm getting out of the army in early may (ETS), and I'm filing my VA disability claims (Sleep Apnea w/ CPAP machine & Hypersomnia), and I'm wondering how long it's going to take for them to kick in? I'm having a lot of trouble finding a job and may be depending partly on that income.

    • ANSWER:
      Could be up to a year...
      If your Rating is EPES than you will get nothing...

23. QUESTION:
    I have a VA disability claim waiting can I join reserves?
    I got off active duty 2 months ago and I have not been rated disability I have sleep apnea I put in a claim can I join reserves and cancel my claim

    • ANSWER:
      you can join the reserves and when you get your claim depending on what percentages it is you may loose some drill money or disbaility money while you are a reservist. You can't get both... VA Claims usually take at least 6months to a year. I have put mine in 180days before I retired and still haven't heard anything and it's been over 4months.. SO yes go talk to a recruiter and do a try one..

24. QUESTION:
    if one is on medicare disability can they have gastric bypass surgery and it be covered?
    Can a person morbidly obese-- 550 lbs or perhaps more, with multiple health issues---high b/p, early onset adult diabetes and sleep apnea, be covered by their disability insurance for the gastric bypass surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      There are 5 basic types of bariatric surgery. Medicare will not cover sleeve gastrectomy or vertical gastric banding. They will cover Roux-en-Y bypass (RYGBP), Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS), and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) under they following conditions: You must have a BMI of greater than 34, you must have at least one co-morbidity related to obesity, and you must have been previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity. In addition, these procedures are only covered when performed at facilities that are certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center or certified by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

      You can find approved facilities by searching on this website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/coverage.asp If you contact these facilities they will help your further.

25. QUESTION:
    I have diabetes, congestive heart failure, diabetic pertheral neuropathy and sleep apnea . ?
    AM 51 year old male been on disability for 5 years , feel worse than ever after having 2 stints put in 3 month ago. quit smoking 45 days ago after 36 years of smoking my lungs hurt worse than even and take apox. 25 prescription pills a day for all my diseases. any ideals ?

    • ANSWER:
      jez, dude, your lungs hurt cuz they are trying to flush out all the crap you put in them, i'm trying to quit right now- i'm 28 i've been smoking since i was 13, COPD is no joke, i'm nursing student- i want to quit.. it hurts like hell but it will get better, if i'm gonna quit then you are too. i feel like i can barley breath but it will get better... no pills nothing and i'm done... don't smoke. i promise the second you reply i won't smoke again if you promise me the same.

26. QUESTION:
    i discovered i have sleep apnea, shall i reveal it to my job.?
    will a disability like this one hurt my chances of moving up in a goverment job after it is revealed..i don't want to be looked down upon and i do have all the qualifications to move up to a management position........but, on the other hand could having this type of health issue help me in my attempt to work a new position citing the tiredness this malady brings on and having it over looked???

    • ANSWER:
      You need only bring it up if it starts to effect your job. Are you using a CPAP machine at night? This should help you sleep, so you won't have as much tiredness during the day. Good luck on getting that promotion!

27. QUESTION:
    Can't work because of severe sleep apnea...?
    My doctor will not release me to work because of severe sleep apnea, and excessive day-time sleepiness. He says that I am, and should be considered 100% disabled. My problem is ....... I am in the middle of our U.S. Governments little game,[YOU CAN'T TOUCH THIS-SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS]. I have been going through all of the phases required, and am currently at the "waiting for a hearing" portion of their game. I am not receiving any income, and haven't been for over 2 years. I would like information on a ligitimate way to make money using my computer at home. Does anybody know how to weed out B.S. offers? I don't have money for scams, and am looking for a way to support my family.

    Thank-you!

    • ANSWER:
      Sounds like you are in a difficult position, have they tried you on that little machine that prods you when you stop breathing at night? I know some people have doen really well on that treatment.

      Anyway, it wouldnt add up to a full time income I wouldnt think, but if a bit of extra money would help this site has done very well for me http://www.mylot.com/?ref=nancygibson Basically its rather like here, you post questions, offer answers and generally discuss things, except you get paid for doing it. I'm currently spending about 15 minutes a day on it and bringing in the equivalent of a full days income a month. I expect it to rise as well in time. So, not a complete solution but possibly worth having a look at?

28. QUESTION:
    Am I a candidate for social security disability?
    I have worked all my life. I have denerative disc in my back. It hurts so bad if I do any lifting at all. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bad allergies, asthma, depression and anxiety, sleep apnea. I am on meds for all this. My work is driving me crazy. I cant keep going like this.

    • ANSWER:
      Well, I work for a Social Security Law Firm and deal with cases all day. You're claim sounds reasonable, it all depends though on your doctor's opinions, clinical signs (MRIs, CTs, X-rays), and sadly, where you live. Unless you are extremely disabled, your claim is going to be denied at the first 2 levels of adjudication and have to proceed to the hearing level. This is where your location comes into play. There are good hearing offices, and very, very bad ones.

      I would definitely recommend hiring an attorney from day one as they will aid you greatly. They can't make the process go faster, but they vastly improve your chances of winning.

      Also, first of all, you need to stop working to even consider filing. You can't keep working and file, it will not help your claim.

29. QUESTION:
    Jan. this year I was discharged from the Army due to a disability from Iraq,and I need advise.? Part 2?
    I tried the VA,nothing more than a " sorry to hear about your problem but your monthly check is and will continue to pay your severance pay back." My disabilities are, sever PTSD,sleep apnea,sever lower back and neck pains(my helmut deflected a bullet and it spun me around as a result of the hit.)Just the thought of going to the store starts a anxiety attack,and if I stress bad enough the attack will cause a blackout and there is no telling where I might go and/or do.I wish I knew how to answer those that have been answering so far.
    this question is a continue of part 1.
    I don't receive any of the 1303 that my check is a month,and as of Aug.06 the finance does the tax papers needed for the IRS,or at least they did it for me.

    • ANSWER:
      They are correct...if you received Severance Pay a good portion of your VA check goes to pay that back...make sure you send the paperwork in to get your taxes back from your Severance Pay...since you got out in Jan you will have to send it to DFAS with a copy of your VA % and they will give you your taxes back...because once you got VA your Severance became tax free...I got out in Nov of 04 and did not get my VA % until Mar...so I had to go through the IRS to get my money...it took over a year...so strike while the iron is hot...you may not get the money but you get the health care...I am suppose to get about 00 a month from VA...I only get 0 because I took Severance instead of letting them Medically Retire me...I have to pay this until like 2011...then I get all my money...(I was a SSG with 13 years in so I got over 50K out the door)...good luck....

30. QUESTION:
    is this sleep apnea??????
    it has been happening more and more here lately, but lastnight was horrible. when i lay down to go to sleep and right as im about to drift off i FREAK out, with like panic and fear(of what i dont know) but it happens, and i get a lil jolt in my heart and then i jump up and gasp for air,( this went on for about an hour) and it is so fucking scary. I need to know what is going on, i cannot afford to go to the doctor or anything. I tried to get on disability but they said i had to be disabled or over 65 and i am neither of those. I dont knw if this is a disability. I dont know if this helps but im 22 years old.

    • ANSWER:
      Sounds like anxiety. Address the reasons behind your anxiety and this will help.

      See a doctor if you are concerned but simple life style changes may help.

      Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking before bed (or all together) as these make you prone to unsettled sleep. If you are overweight then lose weight and engage in moderate regular exercise this can often reverse sleep apnoea.

      If you are woken from a deep sleep with heart palpitations or gasping for air then this definately warrants a doctors review as it may be related to your heart.

      I hope this helps,
      Chris- Registered Nurse

31. QUESTION:
    Have lupus, have AVN, did reconstructed surgery, now I require hip replace, do I qualify for disability?
    I have lupus since Jan 08, lupus has been controlled from meds..but steriord use gave me AVN in bilateral hips. Doctor done reconstructed surgery in right hip, did not work now I'm in such much pain he is recommending total hip replacement. Would I qualify for disability? I also have sleep apnea, sjogens syndrome. At the moment I am unable to walk without a walker. Please give me some type of logical answer???? Thx in advance!!

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    Military Service Connected Sleep Apnea?
    I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) a few weeks ago. I have been off of active duty for roughly 1.5years. Currently I have a disability claim for this condition, but while i was on active duty, i didn't have any treatment or diagnosis of symptoms (I was a young marine who had no clue that snoring could be serious). Anyway, since I didn't complain about any symptoms I was having on active duty, and the OSA diagnosis was just made 1.5yrs after discharge, what would my likelihood of receiving a service connection be? THE VA HAS ISSUED ME A CPAP SINCE THE DIAGNOSIS.

    • ANSWER:
      zero hope. sleep apnea is not known to be caused by military service in any way shape or form.

33. QUESTION:
    How do I report to DPS that someone with a license has a disability that they don't have on their record?
    My father in law has sleep apnea and some other disorder where he randomly falls asleep. I know that he didn't inform DPS of these issues otherwise he wouldn't have a license. I was wondering if there was a way I could report it? I am worried about his safety as well as the safety of others.

    • ANSWER:

34. QUESTION:
    Do i qualify for military disability?
    I have been in the Navy for 9 months and was just diagnosed with maniers disease and severe sleep apnea. The MO says i might be medically discharged, will i get a disability check?

    • ANSWER:
      You will most certainly get 50% disability from the VA for sleep apnea, but that is because there are out of pocket expenses for the CPAP and supplies.

35. QUESTION:
    Working part time on disability!?
    Due to the economy, need to work a few hours a day in a low key situation to earn extra monies. Can you work any and be on disability. My disability was based on sleep apnea, spinal stenosis, arthritis in my hips, and compressed vertebrae in my neck.

    Got some very negative remarks on this on earlier post and did not name my disabilities.

    Please give me some good information on this situation as I'm about to lose my house.

    • ANSWER:
      I would think anyone accepting disability is saying they are unable to work. That being you shouldn't do any work or keep working and get off assistance.

36. QUESTION:
    what do you think my disability rating will be from the va?
    I am medically retired from the army as of 2008 for an extreme case of asthma , also i was diagnosed with sleep apnea with a cpap machine and vocal chord disorder all in my medical files while i was in the army ive included all medical reports that confirm that in my application to the va back in april when ive filed for compensation what do you think my rating will be?

    • ANSWER:
      15% at most.

37. QUESTION:
    veteran affairs, military disability...?? If you are told you could get 60% disability..does this take away?
    Does receiving 60% disability from the VA take away your chances for a regular civilian job>???

    My husband was told that his hearing and his sleep apnea would get him 60% disability. So what he was wondering was what if you do go and collect your VA disability then will he have to quit his civilian job by force?? he DOESNT want to quit. we just have yet to file because he is affraid they will force him to not beable to work..??

    any ideas on this?

    • ANSWER:
      No having a VA disability does not bar you from having a civilian job. My VA disability was 90% and I worked for 12 years before I completely retired. They only way he couldn't work would be if he got a 100% unemployable disability. When a veteran is rated greater than 50%, he can request unemployable disability. If granted veteran would receive about 00 for himself and spouse. He doesn't have to request that though. Tell him to keep working, check out his benefits for being over 50%.. medical care & chapter 31 gi bill.

38. QUESTION:
    Service connected disability?
    I need some advice anyone know how can file a claim for sleep apnea. I went to the dr. and said i had problems sleeping. I told I had been having this problem for years. I remember getting real sick in the desert which my sinuses flair up. I dont know if it was documented or not. However afterwards I went to sick call several times because my sinuses were acting up. I just want to know how I can connect my now sleep apnea as a service connected disability.
    Fant

    I went to sick call in the desert but I dont know if it was noted or not. I did have major sinus problems when I first got there though.

    • ANSWER:
      Before you leave the military you are going to need to take a separation physical at the VA to determine any compensation for service connected disabilities. Ensure it is well documented and on the day of you physical take your medical records with you. The VA will record it as a service connected disability if it is so and determine any benefit from it if any at all. On a note however if you decide to get out, ETS or retire, and later on decide to go to the VA you are going to be pulling whats left of your hair out trying to get this done. See them immediately before you leave the service so they can process that and anything else they happen to find as service connected. I went and ended up with 10%, I had buddies that blew it off and now they are still working on it or have given up after seven years. Hope that helps to clarify.

39. QUESTION:
    I have a question about disability?
    I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and endometriosis. I wanted to know if it would be worth filing for social security disability. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      What state are you living in? Are you married? These thing made a differences in if it would be worth it to fill it out. Disability is hard to get and most people that get it have to apply 2 times to get it. The first time you file they do not give it to you most like I would say 99% of the time. The Second time you see their doctors that are not nice at all they try to get you to give up. IF their doctors after that think you should get disability you will. If not you well have to file a 3 time having a disability lawyer if you do not get it after that you will not most likely get it at all. I have know people with MS that could not walk that could not get it with out a lawyer. It can be a nightmare if you can live without the medical that come with it, I would. Thou if you need the medical insurances I would try. But the money is not worth the time. After people I have known get disability they say it is like the state owns you, the tells you what you can own, what you can do, and who much income you can have. They say it is like welfare.

40. QUESTION:
    Getting a job with 100% VA disability?
    It's looking like there's a chance I may be getting 100% VA disability after leaving the military due to sleep apnea. My question is, I', planning on going to medical school. If I do happen to get 100% (I haven't gone through the process) and I am a doctor, is someone somewhere going to think I'm involved in fraud? Could I get in trouble for getting a good job with 100% disability? I heard also that they don't keep checking up on you. Or could I go to them and say, "well, you guys were wrong, I'm only partially disabled, since I can hold this type of job," and get it changed?
    PS. I don't feel I deserve anything more than 30-50% if anything, but it seems others with this disorder are at times getting 100. I'll go with whatever the doctor who examines me says, however. Or I could fight for a lower percentage, if it is going to be a problem.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is not a service related disability or injury.You should not collect one dime for it.The manner in which you phrase your question indicates a desire to commit fraud.That is shameful.But it is typical of today's military.If by chance you do become a medical doctor I do not want you to operate on me.

41. QUESTION:
    Anyone Have A Serious Sleep Problem?
    Does anyone else have a serious sleep problem? The VA finally diagnoised me as having Sleep Apnea and I'm using a CPAP machine but my problem is still getting worse. My doctor keeps telling me that the CPAP machine will help my problem but I believe I have a more serious sleep disorder or some type of insomia. I see no changes in my sleep using this machine and I'm actually getting even worse sleep. I've only gotten about 10 days of good sleep since January and its seriously affecting my health.
    It got so bad that I had to go on disability from work.

    • ANSWER:
      My son was diagnosed with sleep apnea, being the worst one they had ever seen. He is 20. He actually stopped breathing about 45 times in a minute. Very serious. The Cpap machine is supposed to help but it has to be set with the correct setting as it won't help unless it is. Are you on oxygen during the day? That is a key supplement if you are really bad. Also, if you take any over the counter meds to sleep that is especially bad. Pain medication is also bad in your case. Email me at djvanduyne@mchsi.com and we can discuss things a little more.

42. QUESTION:
    does the VA for veterans offer disability?
    Hubby will be getting out of the army in 18months, and already has be guarenteed disability for his PTSD, but he also has sleep apnea, knee pain, back pain, shoulder/collarbone pain, and cannot hear out of one ear. is this stuff that we should get looked at by a PRIVATE dr., instead of just what the army drs. say. He has been to the army drs. many times now, and they tell him there is nothing wrong with him-other than to do a sleep study for his sleep apnea. he is in constant pain, and is only 29. he has served 3 tours to iraq, and is going for a 4th soon. I am not out to get money 'hungry' but i feel he needs these problems cared for by the army for the rest of his life, since they have done the damage to him. Where do we go to start the 'workup' for him and how do we deal with the VA?

    • ANSWER:
      There are organizations that are for Iraqi Vets. I would recommend you try one of those first. The members are from your generation and are up on current rules.
      You need a copy of every medical exam he has gotten, including sick call from medics, x-rays, physical therapy, etc. If he or his unit have gotten commendations or awards, get copies of those.

      When he exits the military, he should get an exit physical, if he does keep a copy of that. He will also be given a form to list his complaints. He needs to list everything he has problems with.

      When you contact the Iraqi Vet organization ask it they have an outreach program in your area. PTSD is treatable early on but not years later.

      Don't feel bad about the money thing, he had earned it and the rating he is at now won't put food on your table.

43. QUESTION:
    what question might a disability law judge ask and how good are my chances for disabilty?
    i have sleep apnea and i use to drive a school bus for over 20 years but since i can't stay awake i have stop driving.

    • ANSWER:
      sorry, hun, that wont get you disability
      i have it too

44. QUESTION:
    Is paraplegia an impairment or disability?
    Im taking my first rehab paper. and finding the terms hard. My case study is on Fictional Male with a Spinal Cord injury. It has resulted in paraplegia. I need to outline in my assignment what an impairment and disability is. Is both Spinal cord injury and paraplegia and impairment or is just SCI and impairment an paraplegia a disability...Or is it more like paraplegia is an impairment but has a physical disability due to loss of functioning of limbs.

    See what confuses me is wikipedia says ¨ Any impairment which limits the physical function of limbs or fine or gross motor ability is a physical disability. Other physical disabilities include impairments which limit other facets of daily living, such as severe sleep apnea.¨

    It is stating that Spinal cord injury (the impairment) is a disability.

    Help I am so confused with what can be a disability and what can´t.

    • ANSWER:
      An impairment is anything about your body that is different than what one would expect in a person. (A severed spinal cord.)

      A disability is the limitations this difference imposes on the body. (Paraplegia)

      And to be disabled is how the built environment and attitudes imposes unnecessary barrier that cause further disability than the body does alone.

45. QUESTION:
    Should I apply for Disability or SSI? how do i know if my condition is serious enough?
    Well I have focal cord fixation, basically I cant breathe well, where most peoples cords open up 8 mm mine opens about 2-3mm. Any physical activity and I can barely breathe, talking is really stressful becuase i cant hold a note and since diagnosis my voice quality has gotten so bad to where most any jobs I cant work becuase commiunication to hard, I also have sleep apnea becuase this, and i rarely get more then 3 hours of sleep a night, have extreme headaches and migraines when i wake up, and throughout the day i have no energy to stay awake. I also require surgery every year but I cant afford it so my condition does not improve, I dont have insurance either so its so difficult for me to even get checkups on my condition, I work a simple deli job that has even now become to exhausting..

    Any help on what i could do? what the state can do? disability? ssi? I live in Kansas, im 23, i make maybe 16k a year
    I have been working since i was 14, and i turn 24 in june of this year which will be exactly 10 years of work

    • ANSWER:
      Sorry to hear about your condition, the important thing is that you retain an experienced attorney to assist you in your claim. The first step would be to do a free consultation to evaluate your case.

46. QUESTION:
    Can you join the peace corps while on medication?
    Their website says that you may not be qualified if you have a medical disability that may interfere with your job. Does this include people that are dependent on medication and can perform their job correctly as long as they are able to be regularly supplied with the meds they need? Does the Peace Corps accommodate handicaps? Example: Placing someone who has a CPAP(nightly breathing machine for sleep apnea) in a location with electricity? ..Or would this be grounds for rejection?

    • ANSWER:
      The answer is it totally depends. They can accomodate some similar type requirements such as allowing a diabetic who needs insulin (and electricity for power) to serve if they are in control. However, this greatly limits the areas you will qualify to serve in and means that you are going to have to show some special skill or experience that is lacking overall in the program. It also means that your overall time to qualify through medical clearance will most likely be longer, and that you might be in limbo a little longer than others. In my group, we have a diabetic, people on different medications for cholesterol or other maintenance conditions, and we pretty much have electricity most of the time. So--apply and start the medical process. On the Peace Corps website, they have a list of automatic disqualifications and they have a list of conditions that can be accomodated. Check it out, start the process, and see what happens. Good luck!

47. QUESTION:
    Veterans Disability Process?
    I had my C&P exam April 3rd The Doctor stated I had Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, COPD and hypertension. I use a CPAP, I take Insulin, and blld pressure meds. I am 10%ow the comp doctor diagnosed these things on Dec 28 of last year and told e to go back and file another claim and I did. My question is the diagnosis was 15 months after discharge but the comp doctor found these conditions. What should I expect?
    This was not an appeal but an ammended claim which the comp doctor told me to do then i was sent to her again and she confirmed the aditional diagnosis
    This is not an Appeal

    • ANSWER:
      If awarded Compensation...It will go back to "DATE OF THE
      ORIGINAL CLAIM" as it is an amended claim...

      Geez how old are you ???
      What War did you fight in ???
      Sleep Apnea, COPD, & Hypertension are older
      Veterans illnesses...and are not normally Compensatable...

48. QUESTION:
    Short Term Disability, return to work problem?
    I am on STD, my doctor has me out of work until the end of August. My STD claim was approved until July 27th. I was advised on July 28th that Metlife, needed additional paperwork from my doctor and they would approve me for more time. My doctor sent the paperwork to MetLife today, and MetLife has confirmed receiving this documentation. I have reitterated this to my job as well. My job is saying to me that I am expected to be back at work on Sun, Aug. 1 at 7am. The extended time wont be approved until Monday (7/2). I am currently diagnosed with Sleep Apnea/Narcolepsy Cataplexy and pulled (ACL) from passing out and falling in my home. My drive to work is over an hour long.

    Can anyone advise me of a recourse here. I have contacted my HR dept, i was told it had to be referred to a specialist and I would get a phone call back shortly. I'm still awaiting a phone call back a few hours later.

    I contacted Metlife, she told me she would have it approved on Monday.

    My boss is still telling me I have to be to work Starting Sunday until Metlife clears me to return.
    which wont happen to Monday, I literally can't walk.

    Everyone is telling me its against the law for my job to demand me back to work before my doctor has released me to return to work.

    Anyone have any advice at all? Any?
    First let me say Thank you for the responses.

    I talked to my dad who is a congressman and he told me it depended on the Short Term Disability Laws for my state. I've been unable to find these as it pertains to back to work policies.

    First, Metlife told me would approve the paper work Monday.

    My claim is not closed, it is pending documentation. Documentation has been sent. The problem here is, my eyes keep rolling back, walking, driving, bathing.. I keep passing out randomly. I was put on STD b/c I passed out behind the wheel. I just had an incident that caused me to pass out SIX days ago, through my table. My spouse works, the opposite direction and I work an hour away. I AM LEGALLY FORBIDDEN TO DRIVE. My claim is going to be extended. I'm terrified of passing out driving again. It's one way for a taxi to work, i cant afford that.

    I am not on FMLA, but only STD. I was told I need to apply for FMLA by a friend last night, but I still can not do that until Monday.

    M

    • ANSWER:
      "Everyone" is wrong. But "everyone" usually is.

      Just because you hurt yourself in your home - does not mean your job has to keep a position open for you.

      Unless you have an employment contract that says otherwise, your job would be fully with in their rights to fire you - doctors note or not.

      Personally, I'd get some one to drive me to work on Sunday. I'd show up on my crutches with the attitude - I can't walk but I'll be happy to do what ever I can.

49. QUESTION:
    Does anyone have any idea if there's any way to apply for ss disability while still working?
    I am 48 & have worked since 15 yrs old. I've been raising 3 children alone for 15 yrs & over time my health has slowly deteriorated. I have bad back problems(herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis & more) all documented by MRI. I take prescribed pain meds daily, I have high BP, huge heel spurs that cause constant swelling that never subsides & much pain in both ankles & lower limbs. It is extremely difficult to get up & around every day. I can't stand but for a few minutes & after sitting for long periods (at work) it's difficult to get up & walk. I struggle with most home chores and even dressing. I have severe sleep apnea, my O2 level drops and sustains at 60% many times during sleep. I was prescribed a BiPap machine but because of my insurance pkg, was not able to afford it. Here's the catch, I MUST WORK even if I drag myself in, I am the only support for my kids. I was told you must be out of work for 6 mos. to apply, is there any other way? Thanks for any suggestions

    • ANSWER:
      Talk to your md. ask him if he/she will fill out disability form for you. You only have to be unemployed for about 7 days.

50. QUESTION:
    i just got my PEB packet and they are offering me 30%permanent disability for a knee injury suffered?
    overseas. After returning I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea, none of these things I had prior to deployment. Sholud I let the VA file on those issues or non concur with their findings and ask for a formal hearing. I live in Indiana so my kids are covered for any state college in Indiana, tuition free...

    • ANSWER:
      DO NOT accept 30% disability. Ask for a formal hearing and find someone to represent you. Try contacting the Office of the Area Defense Counsel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and see if they can point you in the right direction. Their phone number is (937) 257-7861.