Jason Perry
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I just posted the update to AFI 48-123 in the resources section of the site. Most notable are the changes for sleep apnea. Here they are:
"(Replace) 5.3.2.1.4. Obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing that causes daytime
hypersomnolence that cannot be corrected with life style modifications (i.e., weight loss,
positional therapy, and proper sleep hygiene), positive airway pressure (CPAP, BiPAP, APAP,
vPAP, etc.), surgery, or an oral appliance. The diagnosis must be based upon a nocturnal
polysomnogram and the evaluation of a provider credentialed and privileged in sleep medicine.
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.1. A trial of therapy with PAP up to 12-months may be attempted to assist
with other therapeutic interventions, during which time the individual will be issued a mobility
restrictive profile stating that they may deploy with reliable electricity at deployment billeting
location if waived by the COCOM.
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.1.1. Airmen with severe or moderate obstructive sleep apnea (diagnostic
Polysomnogram AHI/RDI greater than 15) and/or symptoms despite treatment and regardless of
severity require an evaluation for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.1.2. Airman with mild obstructive sleep apnea (diagnostic
Polysomnogram AHI/RDI ≤15) once stable without adjustments for 90 days can have the Code
31 removed without any deployment restrictions after approval by the DAWG. The DAWG will
ensure a duty limitation is placed on the 469 stating “member requires reliable electricity at
billeting when deployed”; see COCOM reporting instructions for guidance.”
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.2. If symptoms of hypersomnolence cannot be controlled with lifestyle
modifications, positive airway pressure, surgery or an oral appliance, the standard is not met.
The use of stimulant medications or supplemental oxygen for treatment of obstructive sleep
apnea requires an MEB evaluation. If the use of positive airway pressure or other therapies for
obstructive sleep apnea result in interference with satisfactory duty performance as substantiated
by the individual's commander then the standard is not met and requires an MEB evaluation. "
"(Replace) 5.3.2.1.4. Obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing that causes daytime
hypersomnolence that cannot be corrected with life style modifications (i.e., weight loss,
positional therapy, and proper sleep hygiene), positive airway pressure (CPAP, BiPAP, APAP,
vPAP, etc.), surgery, or an oral appliance. The diagnosis must be based upon a nocturnal
polysomnogram and the evaluation of a provider credentialed and privileged in sleep medicine.
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.1. A trial of therapy with PAP up to 12-months may be attempted to assist
with other therapeutic interventions, during which time the individual will be issued a mobility
restrictive profile stating that they may deploy with reliable electricity at deployment billeting
location if waived by the COCOM.
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.1.1. Airmen with severe or moderate obstructive sleep apnea (diagnostic
Polysomnogram AHI/RDI greater than 15) and/or symptoms despite treatment and regardless of
severity require an evaluation for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.1.2. Airman with mild obstructive sleep apnea (diagnostic
Polysomnogram AHI/RDI ≤15) once stable without adjustments for 90 days can have the Code
31 removed without any deployment restrictions after approval by the DAWG. The DAWG will
ensure a duty limitation is placed on the 469 stating “member requires reliable electricity at
billeting when deployed”; see COCOM reporting instructions for guidance.”
(Add New) 5.3.2.1.4.2. If symptoms of hypersomnolence cannot be controlled with lifestyle
modifications, positive airway pressure, surgery or an oral appliance, the standard is not met.
The use of stimulant medications or supplemental oxygen for treatment of obstructive sleep
apnea requires an MEB evaluation. If the use of positive airway pressure or other therapies for
obstructive sleep apnea result in interference with satisfactory duty performance as substantiated
by the individual's commander then the standard is not met and requires an MEB evaluation. "