Need Help on what to do

I have 10 years active duty and was forced out under a rif in 1995 (yes, I am old). After 20 years I realized I could go back to the Air National Guard to finish my 10 years and get my retirement. Recently I have had some medical issues that I am concerned will end my career and I will lose retirement again. I went to the Doctor for a back issue and when they took xrays found that I have 3 arteries with blockages (both carotid are 50% blocked and the left main aorta is 60% blocked). After taking several tests, including a sleep study, I have been told that I have sever sleep apnea also. All of this coupled with the fact that I have sever degenerative discs with nerve issues in the back.

I have a total of 15 years now and, of course, would like to not lose out on my retirement. I don't know if these issues are career ending or not but if so, will it be a medical retirement or just medical discharge and I lose everything? Also, because I was not on orders with all of this going on will it be able to go towards a VA claim?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
 
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Your carotid arteries can usually be cleaned out. Search "endarterectomy" on your favorite search engine. It is a relatively straight forward process and usually improves quality of life considerably. The aorta can also be cleaned out. Some eating changes, no smoking and taking meds for hyperlipidemia are probably already on the table.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea that is resolved with Continuous Positive Air Pressure usually does not result in separation.
 
That's good news. I knew that they could be cleaned out but not sure how the Guard would look at it. The Doctors told me they would not do anything with them until they were 75%. I don't smoke, run 3 days a week and exercise often. I can still pass a PT test (although it is painful in the back) with no problem and try to watch what I eat. I was quite surprised when they told of the issue.

As for the Sleep Apnea, I am told that makes me un-deployable. And I am in a deployable position. Still should not be a problem?

Also, with the Guard, are all these issues claimable with VA or do they need to be issues reported while on active duty orders?
 
Some people have "bad" genes. I have been on meds for hyperlipidemia for years. My wife is a provider and can't believe what my numbers were given how I eat.

You can deploy, you will just be limited to locations with electricity - which means no bare bases.

If/when you are on AD report them. It makes service connection easier.
 
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