CPAP machine while on active duty

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Postal46

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Hello

My wife is active duty AF, and had a sleep study done (6 apnea episodes an hour), they issue CPAP's for 5 episodes an hour and above. So essentially she barley made the cut off. They issued her a APAP machine and she has been having problems keeping compliant (averages 2-3 hours a night of usage). My question is, since she has compliance issues while on active duty, barely made the cut off, and was issued an APAP and not a CPAP, will this affect her receiving a rating when she separates?

Thanks for all your time!
 
Sleep apnea, M21-1

See the following for VA rating considerations per M21-1:
Sleep Apnea LINK <—

Ron
 
Searched around and found this old thread so I figured I'd add my questions here since it is related.

I'm still AD and I've been diagnosed with mild OSA and issued a CPAP (my apneas were more than Postal's wife above). I'm struggling with compliance and actively working with the sleep clinic on this and have more follow-up appointments. Between the mask falling off and sometimes falling asleep without putting it on, I haven't been able to get compliant, but as I said I'm working on it.

How does this affect the rating? I understand they'll run my numbers from the CPAP. Do they do this during a C&P? Is there a certain percentage they're looking for (i.e. 4hr @ 70%)? As for medical necessity, if I had a sleep study and subsequently issued a CPAP, is that the standard for necessity?

@RonG per the link you posted, I read through III.iv.4.F.5.d and read this, "If the competent medical evidence of record shows that use of a qualifying breathing assistance device is medically required, the fact that the claimant is not actually using it as prescribed is not relevant."

So does that mean my total compliance doesn't matter? If that's the case, do they even check my CPAP numbers?

As always, thanks for any and all help provided. :)
 
Modern CPAP machines are capable of being set to automatic. The difference between the APAP and CPAP is close to nil. I suggest she talk to her provider about an alternative call Inspire. It is implanted like a pacemaker and requires no mask, tubing, or water tank. It uses a small amount of current to open the airway. OSA is a serious condition and should not be ignored.

Sleep Apnea Treatment | Inspire® therapy

Inspire® therapy offers a proven sleep apnea treatment when CPAP doesn't work. No mask. No hose. Just a better way to breathe and sleep naturally.
www.inspiresleep.com
 
armyaviator said:
Searched around and found this old thread so I figured I'd add my questions here since it is related.

@RonG per the link you posted, I read through III.iv.4.F.5.d and read this, "If the competent medical evidence of record shows that use of a qualifying breathing assistance device is medically required, the fact that the claimant is not actually using it as prescribed is not relevant."

So does that mean my total compliance doesn't matter? If that's the case, do they even check my CPAP numbers?

As always, thanks for any and all help provided. :)
Click to expand...
Hello,

I do not know. My sleep apnea developed long after I left the Army. I never filed a claim for it. The reference I cited is one I occasionally review for other purposes.

Good luck,
Ron
 
Thanks! What is that website for? I've never seen that before and started reading through it.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
Modern CPAP machines are capable of being set to automatic. The difference between the APAP and CPAP is close to nil. I suggest she talk to her provider about an alternative call Inspire. It is implanted like a pacemaker and requires no mask, tubing, or water tank. It uses a small amount of current to open the airway. OSA is a serious condition and should not be ignored.

Sleep Apnea Treatment | Inspire® therapy

Inspire® therapy offers a proven sleep apnea treatment when CPAP doesn't work. No mask. No hose. Just a better way to breathe and sleep naturally.
www.inspiresleep.com
Click to expand...
I know this is a bit old, BUT I just read this and went to the website. Is this something Tricare actually covers? This thing seems like a lifesaver. I have a lot of sinus issues and have a really hard time wearing any of the masks as I feel like they suffocate me. Something like this would be a game changer..
 
I do not know about TriCare coverage. I do know the VA will approve it under circumstances similar to what you described.
 
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