How do I claim sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD?
I am already rated at 70% for PTSD, but I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP. Can I claim this as secondary to my PTSD? What kind of evidence does the VA look for?
1 Answer
Yes, you can claim Sleep Apnea as a secondary condition to PTSD. The VA recognizes that psychiatric conditions can aggravate or contribute to the development of sleep disorders. To be successful, you must prove three things: 1. A current diagnosis of Sleep Apnea (usually confirmed by a sleep study). 2. An existing service-connection for PTSD. 3. A "medical nexus" connecting the two—explaining how your PTSD (or the medications used to treat it) causes or worsens your sleep apnea. Common nexus arguments include the "intermediate step" of weight gain caused by PTSD medications or the impact of chronic stress and hyperarousal on respiratory patterns during sleep. An Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) is usually essential for these claims.