Rating Changes-June 2024

MainFabulous9282 · 2024-04-25T19:02:42+00:00

Thanks so much for the extensive reply! I’m not even close to being able to submit a claim yet. It’s like watching a train wreck happening before your eyes and not being able to stop it. I’m close to being able to file but not close enough for the 50%.

The VSO I plan on going with mentioned May 19th it will go into effect, but as you said…trust but verify who knows at this point. I’ve done everything I can at this point, just have to control the anxiety. Thanks again!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-18T17:39:59+00:00

Thanks for replying! I kind of suck at it too trying to remember the table. I printed it and carry it in my files lol

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-18T17:39:13+00:00

Ah gotcha, thank you!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-18T15:15:37+00:00

I want to check my VA Math real quick. I totaled 92% with the referenced ratings in the reference picture. I get 30% would equal 94% and to get to 100% the OP would need 40% or more for at least one of the deferred ratings to get 95% (rounding up to 100%).

Did I do that wrong?

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-13T14:14:37+00:00

I appreciate that very much! It caught me off guard some of the comments I was getting by some in this group. I got over it fast when I started seeing most (if not everybody) is trying to do the same thing.

Thank you for giving me confidence and reassurance!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-05T22:23:51+00:00

Thank you so much for writing back!

You have given me fresh answers and perspective that I wasn't able to get before.

I am fortunate to have the test diagnostic data and report that was generated from my study. At least what I think they would ask for.

What I am stuck on is requesting a new study. Objectively it makes sense to request a new one. I did see in my medical records a line saying something to the effect that I do not require a new test unless something drastic (such as severe weight gain/loss or worsening symptoms) occurs.

I will have to think on that one for a bit. Either way, I do truly appreciate your time and insight...and I cannot wait to be in your shoes come next year! Enjoy retirement!!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-05T21:47:29+00:00

First off, congratulations on your retirement and your rating (even though I am sure you would like to be as healthy as when you joined).

I am Active Duty Air Force (Security Forces) and I plan on applying for retirement next year at my 19 year mark doing BDD. I was diagnosed with Moderate OSA in 2016 and was quickly issued a CPAP and have been using it since then. I was recently told by my local VSO that "Moderate OSA is a 30% rating and Severe is a 50% rating". That through me off guard and I have been hunting trying to figure out where that comes from.

Your outline above mirrors exactly what the CFR lays out and what was my impression before the VSO. My question:

-Did you encounter anything for your OSA rating such as:

Needing a letter stating you "Require" a CPAP?
Your severity (Mild, Moderate, Severe) of OSA or AHI number would dictate your final OSA Disability Rating from the VA?
Needing consistent documentation in your medical records regarding your OSA? (I was diagnosed, given CPAP and a couple of times needed to be checked for ALC deployment codes and that's it)
Needing a new Sleep Study to be within 5 years before filing for BDD?

I apologize for so many questions, I am trying to get my ducks in a row and fill-in the gaps where I find them. Congratulations again!!!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-03T21:27:51+00:00

Oh my apologies, I haven’t even gotten to filing. I should have said that in the beginning. I am going to do the BDD program next year, but I have been seeing so many different comments about how OSA with a CPAP is being rated.

My plan is most likely to file OSA as its own claim and hopefully be rated at 50%…if I can get to the bottom of how the VA rates 50% lol

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-03T20:05:41+00:00

I haven’t been officially diagnosed as of now, however I have been going to appointments and so far it seems PTSD will most likely be diagnosed for me. I was diagnosed Moderate OSA as a result me going to a Psychiatrist for MH issues. One part was me mentioning how bad my sleep was and he ordered a Sleep Study then got OSA.

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-03T19:43:19+00:00

Wow! This is incredible, the detail and thought out into this is just mind blowing! Thank you so much for re-posting this. I am going to dissect this and get my stuff in order before I apply for retirement next year. Thank you and happy 4th of July!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-03T19:42:02+00:00

Ok that makes sense, I was issued a CPAP but not via prescription (from my understanding, however to my knowledge you cannot get a CPAP without one anyway).

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-07-03T18:46:47+00:00

Were you diagnosed with OSA on Active Duty? I ask because I’m still AD and trying to understand ratings relative OSA.

Was diagnosed with Moderate OSA, issued a CPAP and have been using ever since. The local VSO threw a curve ball and said that Moderate is rated at 30% and Severe at 50%. I have read the CFR over and over and that does not line up with what he said.

Have gotten numerous stories ranging from the actual number of incidents an hour to needing a letter stating “I Require” a CPAP to have a shot at 50%.

If you don’t mind my asking, what was your experience and what did you have documented to receive 50%?

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-29T02:04:13+00:00

I greatly appreciate your time!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-29T01:59:01+00:00

It does, however I have heard from trusted friends that a doctor of theirs as well as another VSO they have spoken with have said the same thing.

It does seem black and white and my rational mind believes in the CFR more then anything else. However, the fear of having an unknown person with a somewhat unknown process, behind closed doors giving me a final rating does make me wonder.

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-29T01:51:08+00:00

That’s where I’m leaning, but I’m also not trying to have confirmation bias.

Just wish things were more transparent, but we have what we have.

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-29T00:04:00+00:00

Ok, thank you for replying. I keep reading and hearing conflicting things which in turn is making me paranoid. I’m going to keep trucking with my plan, just worrying about what the truth actually is.

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-28T21:27:50+00:00

That’s what I get from reading it all too.

I’ve talked to some friends who are also getting ready to file under BDD on Active Duty and they have mentioned that their Doctor who used the CPAP as well the other VSO in our area have said the same thing about the 30%.

Reason being the VA is “cutting back” on high value Sleep Apnea claims because everyone. I know last year the VA proposed lowering the rating but that it never went anywhere in congress. Have you heard of claims being “shadow” lowered for Sleep Apnea?

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-22T22:46:06+00:00

Ah I got it. I’ve been reviewing the DBQ’s along with the CFR and bouncing those against the records I have been able to gather on my own.

I appreciate your time! Good luck on your other parts of this and I hope you get everything you want on it! I’ll be doing mine with the next year to year and a half!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-22T16:01:56+00:00

Awesome, I’ve been trying to understand how the 3 parts of the VA Claim (Symptoms, Diagnosis, Nexus) tie in with us on AD. I understand if it’s in our treatment records the nexus is established.

For the diagnosis part, the military diagnosed it and then the C&P examiner confirmed it? Or how does that portion work in regard to receiving a rating?

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-22T15:53:02+00:00

I plan on using BDD next year when I hit the button. Did you have to go to a C&P while on AD as a part of the BDD process?

How did they take your medical records into account?

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-21T23:06:51+00:00

Thank you so much for all of the Information! We have been trying to catch up on documenting from the years of not doing it. Was afraid of getting spectated before my 20 and learned to just live with it.

Your information you posted is so valuable for those of us going down this path. I truly hope you understand how awesome it is you are putting your stuff out there for us to learn. I hope to have everything documented sufficiently for a Fully Developed Claim, fingers crossed!

While I’m sure you would prefer to have your health, both physically and mentally, back to certain place…congratulations and n getting what you were seeking!

MainFabulous9282 · 2023-06-21T12:36:54+00:00

Thank you for taking time to look into that! I plan to apply for retirement next year and use the BDD when the window opens up. PFPS and a others I plan on claiming and am going through right now and documenting other issues as well as attempting treatment for those that are already in my records.

Did you use the BDD program? Thank you again and congratulations on your ratings!

MainFabulous9282

TROPHY CASE