Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Allergic Rhinitis in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know

In this video Leah explores the relationship between sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis, particularly in the context of VA disability claims. She discusses various aspects of sleep apnea, including its types (obstructive, central, mixed), and the nuances of its connection to military service, whether as a primary condition or secondary to other medical issues. Leah highlights the overlap between allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and deviated septum, and their potential role in precipitating obstructive sleep apnea in veterans. She references several studies from journals like the Journal of the American Medical Association and Scientific Reports to illustrate the correlation between nasal conditions and sleep apnea.
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About:
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
The purpose of this channel is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This video is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.
#vadisability #va #veteransbenefits

[@eugenebennett1906]

Another great video Ms. Leah, on such an important issue. Thank you for all your work and thank you for your Army service to our nation. Keep up these detailed and important videos please.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am glad you enjoyed it my friend. Hope you are doing well! Big hugs

[@BornToFly4031]

Leah, just got awarded sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to chronic non-allergic rhinitis. After the first denial, needed a more current sleep study and doctor wrote a simple, but pointed nexus, no fluff at all. The C&P exam was horrible, but ended up with a very favorable opinion - got a copy from VSR. Filed Feb 2023, denied, filed Supplemental Claim with current evidence, Mar 2024, awarded Jun 2024. New and relevant evidence was new sleep study, nexus from doctor, written proof of medically necessary CPAP, and Lay/Witness Statement from my wife describing my symptoms. Your suggested research was helpful plus led me to many more articles more specific to my particular case. I was ready for the appeal if it came down to that. Finally, got through it. Thanks for all the good direction and guidance.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thank you so much for the awesome feedback sir and I am so happy to hear this!! Great work getting after it!

[@combatdouglas1306]

Thank you Leah.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thank you for your support my friend 🤩

[@scrapguy6816]

Very informative video. Thanks Leah.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tommarinevet]

Great info and thank you for all do

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@siddkid3169]

Great information 👍

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thanks bud! 💕

[@shanehess8950]

I’m diagnosed with both chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis 30 and 50 percent respectively. Im going for my sleep study soon. 10 percent away to 💯.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Keep us posted!!

[@NATEDOG001976]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I was denied recently for my sleep apnea secondary to my 0% service connected Rhinitis and Sinus issues. I filed a supplemental claim with this letter attached. The C & P examiner said "No nexus" in the denial letter. Please let me know if this letter from my VA DR. hits most of the key points, and will help get me service connected for sleep apnea. Thanks!!! To whom it may concern: My name is DR XXXXXX, a primary care doctor at the Minneapolis VA. I am licensed as a physician in the state of Minnesota (License ##XXXXX), received my medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016, and completed residency at the University Minnesota in 2019. I care for Mr. XXXXXXX (SSN XXXXXXXX). Mr. XXX suffers from longstanding obstructive sleep apnea and rhinitis. He began dealing with rhinitis in early 2014 while he was in Afghanistan, exposed to burn pits, and was service-connected for this in 2021. After developing rhinitis, his girlfriend at the time noted that he had developed snoring, chronic congestion, and worsening sleep issues by the time he returned from Afghanistan in April 2014. These are classic symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. He was formally diagnosed with this at the Minneapolis VA on 11/16/2022. I am suspicious that his chronic rhinitis and congestion is contributing to or even causing his sleep apnea. Allergic rhinitis increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea by two major mechanisms: 1) increase in airway resistance due to higher nasal resistance and 2) reduction in pharyngeal diameter from mouth breathing that moves the mandible inferiorly. Considering Mr. XXXX symptoms of sleep apnea started immediately after he developed allergic rhinitis, it is more likely than not that his chronic, service-connected rhinitis is at the very least a contributing factor, and more likely a cause of his sleep apnea. I would rank the likelihood of this as 50% of greater. Sincerely, XXXXXXX, MD Minneapolis VA Staff Physician Phone: | Fax:

[@rebeher14]

How did you manage to get paid for both? I thought it was one or the other 😮

[@Syruhon]

I got approved for both allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, 10% for allergies and 50% for sinusitis. Currently appealing a denied claim for sleep apnea after the VA diagnosed me with it but it was a followed up appointment from my sinus procedure during active duty.

[@kennethsimpson5539]

I was denied today for severe OSA as a secondary to severe connected allergic rhinitis and deviated septum. Thank you all for the Nexus that you provided. The VA may have won this battle, but the war is far from over. 👍

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry to hear this sir. Please send me an email if you get a chance to [e-mail] and we can take a look at it

[@genjustice4766]

I just received 30% allergic rhinitis disability today from the VA and I am thinking about claiming OSA secondary to it. Really? VA really denied your case? Allergic rhinitis has direct impact on OSA. Many researches also proved the connection between them. WOW...If you really got denied, I would have to take some more time for strong support document to claim OSA as secondary to Allergic rhinitis.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@genjustice4766 congrats on your allergic rhinitis connection and sorry to hear you are suffering from this

[@4n6wizard]

⁠@@genjustice4766I have a CPAP machine provided to me by the VA, I have Sinusitis and rhinitis 10 percent each. I claimed sleep apnea as secondary and provided a Nexus letter from a pulmonary clinic and the VA denied my claim because the C&P nurse told the VA on her opinion that my OSA is a throat muscle issue and have nothing to do with my sinusitis and rhinitis. I appealed and sent back for a higher review, let see what happens in 90 days

[@cidcampeador7922]

Time to appeal.

[@robertovillanuevajr7947]

Great Video. I signed up with you guys last week for a nexus to connect my sleep apnea as secondary to Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis. I sent in my claim online today and only uploaded the nexus you guys gave me, hopefully it goes well.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Best of luck sir keep us posted!

[@robertovillanuevajr7947]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I haven't received a decision yet, but it's been 30 days since my C&P with the VA and this is what it says in my file, can you explain what they mean? OPINION: It is my medical opinion that the Veterans obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of his service-connected allergic rhinitis/sinus condition. RATIONALE: I have based my medical opinion on thorough, extensive review of the Veteran's claims file, VBMS, and CPRS and clinical evaluation of the Veteran. That, as known in the medical literature*, factors associated with upper airway compromise such as nasal congestion, obstruction, and/or snoring due to rhinitis may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea thereby reasonably substantiates the Veterans claim as contended.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@robertovillanuevajr7947 Sounds like a positive opinion! It will likely get approved unless the rater disagrees which doesnt happen to often

[@vern5272]

@@robertovillanuevajr7947 That examiner’s write-up sounds good, bro. I’ll be submitting a claim for the same (rhinitis, sinusitis, and apnea) in about 2-3 months. Best of luck to you!

[@Olee_OTG]

I'm doing the same your comment has inspired me.. keep us updated

[@AnnikaChambers]

I need you guys!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

We would be happy to assist. Please email us at [e-mail]

[@kennyelmore6404]

I’m looking forward to this one.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Hope you enjoyed it!!

[@kennyelmore6404]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I did enjoy it. Got signed up with you last week. I will let you know the out come of my OSA claim, after I get all my evidence submitted and the VA makes their decision.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@kennyelmore6404 Looking forward to hearing the outcome! Thank you for trusting us!

[@kennyelmore6404]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Thank you for all the help! I just won my claim today.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@kennyelmore6404 That is fantastic news! Congrats!

[@eddieroman5498]

Are you able to forward the articles cited here?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

No we cannot

[@michaelrector9495]

Hello I have a question. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in my last year in Army and I am currently service connected for the sleep apnea since I retired in 2013. I admit my use of cpap was difficult for first few years but since about 2017 I have religiously used it daily and can’t sleep without it. Since using cpap I noticed issues with my sinuses that I didn’t have before, I use a saline spray daily to help me. I also noticed blood in my nasal discharge but the doctor at VA said it’s allergies. Is it possible that I might have developed rhinitis due to cpap? For the past year I started to have issues with my left eye that continually tears up.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Hey sir I am sorry to hear about your sleep apnea. I would not be able to address your question specifically as there are just so many variables that go into that sort of evaluation and diagnosis. Have you discussed this with your health care provider?

[@michaelrector9495]

@@prestigeveteranmedical not yet but I plan on it

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@michaelrector9495 Sounds good sir

[@victoriamurra3047]

I am rated at 0% for allergy Rhinitis and 30% with sinusitis. I have sleep apnea with a cpap - should I claim it as secondary to Allergy or Sinusitis?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Many veterans do ma'am

[@6mallards]

That's my plan, seeing the ENT today

[@vicentemunoz2157]

Yesssd

[@bradmassey77]

Any updates thinking about doing this myself

[@marksday4936]

@victoriamurra3047 I've got a similar situation just curious how yours is going.

[@alonzorichardson6961]

Hello everyone, im sevice connected for allergic rhinitis 50 percent blockage; due to the PACT ACT. I was also diagnosed with OSA severe, issued by VA for sleep study. The VA issued me a bipap machine. Im now getting restful sleep that I haven't gotten in a while. The DAV help me put in a seconday claim for for OSA secondary to Allergic rhinitis connected to PACT ACT. It now going on three months still in review, all doctors notes and test results was submitted with my claim. My question is have anyone here got a OSA secondary claim to allergic rhinitis PACT ACT awarded?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Many people have. Best of luck to you and thank you for watching

[@stevedodd595]

I have my test on Friday and have PACT act but reading these comments does not give me faith it will be accepted

[@reggiefl7926]

My service connection is for "non-allergic rhinitis," does this change anything in this or any of your "allergic rhinitis" videos?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Possibly because they are different conditions. Thank you for watching

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

Retired in 1999, Did not know anything about OSA, I would snore at night and wake up gasping for air but it was never reported. In 2003 Had my 1st sleep study and was told that I had sever sleep apnea. When I try to file a claim with the VA it was denied. I do have disability for low back and leg issues and now a 0% for allergic rhinitis. I have gain weight since retiring, can I use my back has a reason for putting on weight causing the OSA. Also doing my later years in the military I would have headaches still due to this day. The VA eye doctor had me do an MRI and they found a benign tumor in my head. That was my 1st ever brain MRI. Could that tumor be a bases for my headaches?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Many veterans are connected for sleep apnea due to weight gain. I am sorry to hear about your struggles sir and wish you the very best of luck. I am not sure about the headaches but you may want to discuss with your doctor

[@angelrosado1413]

Vietnam Veteran Sleep disorders, rinitis , sinus,and 57 years out 77 years Oldman. Lots health issues. 90% C/P TRY unenployability, & denniet to.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching

[@Cookie-et9yf]

Is it necessary to submit these scientific articles along with my claim? I recall my Rep. from the county veteran's office submitted articles of degenerative disk disease for my low back claim. I don't want to "assume" the VA is current with these studies. Thank you!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

That is totally up to you sir. Best of luck and keep us posted!!

[@21mejia25]

C&P examiner for rhinitis said he can clearly see nasal obstruction and recommended possible surgery in the future. I was rated 0% for Allergic Rhinitis. I am submitting OSA secondary to allergic rhinitis and would like to know if I can reference the C&P examiner words about my nasal obstruction. The only problem is, I don't have the C&P report as reference.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I’m sorry to hear this sir. You may want to follow up with a legal professional to discuss your appeal. Thank you for watching

[@FindingFinley]

How dis this turn out for you?

[@21mejia25]

@@FindingFinley still waiting on a decision. Hopefully in the next few weeks.

[@jaimiegonzalez67]

Do I need a nexus letter to connect my sleep apnea to allergic rhinitis?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Nexus letters are never required. They can just be helpful in some cases

[@johnathanreed8074]

I’m diagnosed with sleep apnea. Is there anyway to get my Rhinitis connected to this?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Possibly sir. I have another video about this type of connection you may find useful

[@mylesmoesel4886]

I have a question To what level could having partial turbinectomy affect the development of OSA or would it be better to use Allergic Rhinitis for your secondary or just us both to make it stronger?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

It would just depend on your circumstances. If you had turbinates removed I would imagine that would make sleep apnea less likely

[@mylesmoesel4886]

Thank You for your reply. I had Turbinate surgery back in 1982. But I have had three sleep studies since 2002. For the last one, I was given a BIPAP with OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR.@@prestigeveteranmedical

[@gabrielortega6107]

Off of an attorney site I saw this: An extra-schedular disability rating is used when a Veteran’s level of disability does not match the schedule standards set by the VA or if their condition is unique or requires additional treatment beyond what is typically expected and prevents them from working. My problem is, I do not meet the VA CFR 38 requirements, which is why I was denied. I do not have polyps and do not have nasal obstruction of 50% or more. But, I have 2 oral medications I'm taking daily, intranasal antihistamines and corticosteroids, as well as now starting immunotherapy, where I get allergy injections twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, every week. I also believe that the dermatitis I'm experiencing on my hands is related to these allergies. This rhinitis affects my life and ability to work every single day. My VSO sent the denial for higher level review, but i'm not going to be able to send new evidence at this time. When the reviewer contacts me, I was thinking of asking them to consider my symptoms to overlook their requirements and give me at least a 10% rating? I'm a little frustrated, because I don't know why the VA would have those requirements, when I'm sure that not all people that suffer from rhinitis have polyps and nasal blockages. Thank you for any insight you can give!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

That is a really helpful response. It is tough to say but I think you have several valid points. Please keep me posted. I also believe this is one of the conditions that has been proposed to be changed regarding the 10% rating and allowing it based upon medication use. I do not know if/when that would be updated but I did see it was being proposed

[@gabrielortega6107]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Thanks Leah, that's encouraging! I'm going to try it anyway, and will let you know what happens

[@freddiep2720]

How do you know you don't have 50% or more nasal obstruction?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@freddiep2720 You could certainly have your doctor evaluate that and let you know sir

[@gabrielortega6107]

@@freddiep2720 Good question, I just took it for granted from the VA denial that I don't. I am currently looking into how to get a proper measurement. I'm pretty sure it would be possible to get some direction from the ENT specialist I'm working with now for my allergy shots. Thanks for asking

[@MrArvayo666]

Question, I am 0% service connected for rhinitis because of pact act. I was diagnose with OSA and use a cpap machine. All done at the VA including sleep test. Can I get secondary OSA because or rhinitis?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Some people do have sleep apnea connected to their rhinitis. Every case is different of course

[@MrArvayo666]

What would your team need from me ro be able to issue me a nexus letter?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

If you would email us at [e-mail] we can get you some information @@MrArvayo666

[@Frankie5Angels150]

Can this go the other way? I’ve got 50% for OSA and 0% for allergic rhinitis. Could I get rhinitis increased as secondary to OSA?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

If a person is already connected for the rhinitis the rating is just based upon the severity of the rhinitis itself.

[@kennethsimpson5539]

I just put in a claim for secondary severe obstructive sleep apnea due to allergic rhinitis and deviated septum. Do you write Nexus letters?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Yes sir we do. Would you like me to send you an email with information? Please let me know what your email address is or email me at [e-mail]

[@cidcampeador7922]

Was the claim you submitted for allergic rhinitis together with deviated septum? Or two separated claims? What were the results? Thanks.

[@dantedingle3505]

Hi, does anyone know a doctor that could write a nexus letter for my OSA secondary to my deviated septum surgery?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Our medical experts are PA's and handle these types of letters. If you would like information please email us at [e-mail]

[@dantedingle3505]

@@prestigeveteranmedical email sent.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@dantedingle3505 great please let me know if you do not get a response in the next 24 hours or so

[@dantedingle3505]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Will do.

[@bilat-bikeislifeadventuret6499]

i just recenlty diagnose with OSA this january but previous years i will wake with clogged nose, isn't it related to rhinitis? before OSA my pulmonologist detected that i have also asthma

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I’m sorry to hear this? Thank you for watching

[@jayp8124]

I'm service connected with OSA 50% and went to the allergy clinic and it states I have allergic rhinitis..can i claim it secondary to OSA ?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

You can always claim anything at anytime if you believe it is related to your service sir. Best of luck

[@cidcampeador7922]

It's usually the other way around but you may want to double check. If you did time in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War or after 9/11 allergic rhinitis falls under the Pact Act which can be granted to you.

[@cidcampeador7922]

I served in Kuwait in 2006 and since then I’ve been dealing with allergies when pollen season comes as well as when there’s dust etc. Should I make an appointment and see if Allergic Rhinitis is what I have? Thanks.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry to hear this! That is totally up to you but your doctor may be able to help you with it! Thank you for watching

[@Jimmy-fx5ze]

Yea, they’ll give it to you because of pact act. I just got it, 0% but it opens up for secondary like sleep apnea I think.

[@cidcampeador7922]

@@Jimmy-fx5ze Yeap. Got the diagnosis. I'm gonna get an allergy test done and submit it. Even if I get a 0%, I'll hook OSA secondary to allergic rhinitis and cross my fingers. I can't let that 50% for OSA fade away.

[@Carlos-vp2bm]

I'm still fighting my osa. It's been over 2yrs

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry to hear this sir. There are many good law firms and accredited agents out there that may be able to assist administratively

[@Carlos-vp2bm]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I have a lawyer but the process is taken a long time. I actually used a letter Leah wrote me to prove my osa due to ptsd

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@Carlos-vp2bm Sorry to hear that sir. Who is your attorney?

[@Carlos-vp2bm]

@@prestigeveteranmedical berry law

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@Carlos-vp2bm Why don't we talk about this in email. Do you want to send me a follow up email and I will see if there is anything I can do? (It's Leah)

[@benitogarcia8307]

How do I get in touch with you guys? I was issued a CPAP but never given a rating. Also, I was recently diagnosed with rhinitis by the VA with no rating. Please help. Thank you

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

If you email us at [e-mail] we can get you some info!

[@benitogarcia8307]

@@prestigeveteranmedical thank you so much!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

You bet!

[@Maab32]

Can allergic rhinitis cause coughing syncope? I just had an asthma test and it showed normal, I have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and have passed out twice, wondering if the syncope has any relation to allergic rhinitis ?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Oh my I am so sorry to hear that. I am not sure but that may be a good question to ask your ENT doctor or your asthma doctor

[@Maab32]

@Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting I'll try that then, thanks for replying!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@Maab32 You bet sir thank you for watching!

[@rness4135]

Hi, can I get these articles without paying for a subscription

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

That is a good question. I would think so but you may have to search around for awhile to find the free articles

[@rness4135]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I’m still looking thanks!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@rness4135 Sounds good send me an email and I can see if I can help

[@alfredtineo3023]

What if they gave u a ExciteOSA for severe snoring therapy

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Severe snoring is not the same as OSA

[@alfredtineo3023]

@@prestigeveteranmedical thank you for replying, but getting a machine for breathing still qualifies you for 50% since excite OSAs falls under it? I appreciate the knowledge

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@alfredtineo3023 This is not a straightforward question. Using a breathing device does not mean you have sleep apnea. You may use a breathing device for a number of conditions and that does not determine a connection to service. It just establishes a level of severity if it (whatever the condition is) is connected.

[@alfredtineo3023]

@@prestigeveteranmedical sorry if I was not clear. Thank you.

[@TheDogDad]

Like

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thank you for watching sir!

[@brandofoster6195]

I had septoplasy surgery would that help me get a rating for the PACT ACT also i have sleep apnea 😢

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from this! It is hard to say but I wish you the best of luck and thank you for watching!