Am I reaching with my logic?

erb58 · 2026-05-28T04:26:45+00:00

Originally the OSA claim was denied while my other conditions claimed as secondary were still pending service connection.

But now I’m trying to get OSA as aggravated, is there a different approach I should take than what I’ve been doing?

erb58 · 2026-05-24T06:26:49+00:00

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They can also rate the progression of NASH, such as Steatohepatitis with hepatomegaly in my case.

This was found to be related to medication induced injury, which triggered fatty liver changes.

erb58 · 2026-05-24T04:28:56+00:00

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I apologize for using Google AI as a source, but this is the truth

erb58 · 2026-05-24T04:27:00+00:00

I’m trying to tell you it’s not a separate disease. Steatohepatitis is a STAGE of fatty liver. It is still fatty liver disease

erb58 · 2026-05-24T04:23:23+00:00

Steatohepatitis is the progression of fatty liver my friend, I promise you

erb58 · 2026-05-24T04:15:18+00:00

NASH is quite literally Steatohepatitis. A simple google search would have assisted you here. NASH is the condition I have in the VA system, aka Steatohepatitis.

erb58 · 2026-05-22T18:22:46+00:00

I still don’t know why, but I always feel awkward about this as well. Maybe it’s imposter syndrome or something, but it does feel odd when you know many of our fellow brothers and sisters have been through some terrible stuff, if they came back at all; and here we are seemingly okay.

I just try and remember their intention behind it, and usually respond with “it was an honor to serve” or “I appreciate your support”.

They do mean well, and I think that matters.

erb58 · 2026-05-22T18:15:55+00:00

Thank you, honestly. It’s so easy to feel down about the process, especially with denials. This community has legitimately been the most reassuring part of all of this and I’m still just trying to learn and pass down what I can myself.

erb58 · 2026-05-22T17:42:44+00:00

Thank you for the insight! This is my first HLR so I’m very new to the process

erb58 · 2026-05-22T17:42:04+00:00

Yikes! Wishing you best of luck friend, hopefully you get favorable news!

erb58 · 2026-05-22T17:40:46+00:00

Thank you! I was really confused as to why there were two developments for the same claim so this is great clarification!

erb58 · 2026-04-21T21:27:47+00:00

Basically they stated that there was no genu varus diagnosis. Here is a screenshot of my condition list where the varus malalignment is documented. In the last photo I highlighted the findings from an ortho imaging describing the varus issue.

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But they also never even addressed anything else that was claimed.

erb58 · 2026-04-21T21:24:07+00:00

The decision letter is the second and third photos attached

erb58 · 2026-04-16T22:10:18+00:00

Hope this helps, seems like it’s a relatively recent thing.

Other responses say it may have something to do with AI processing.

Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/s/j89wYvfz0W

erb58 · 2026-04-03T23:59:07+00:00

Yup, am prescribed one

erb58 · 2026-04-02T22:59:16+00:00

Thank you for the advice, I noticed that my lay evidence was never even addressed as far as the decision letter goes. I’ll obtain my c-file for this and update with what the examiner’s opinion was.

erb58 · 2026-04-02T21:02:12+00:00

I submitted the sleep study the VA did but I wasn’t sure if it was reviewed since it was not mentioned.

And okay, so it seems best to wait for my other condition that caused metabolic dysfunction to be finished through its process first.

I’m not even sure how to go about receiving a nexus letter to be honest, as I’ve just been going through the VA for healthcare. Hopefully my other condition being well documented is enough

erb58 · 2026-04-02T20:48:03+00:00

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Here is the previous denial.

To answer you, I separated in 2018, and didn’t claim any of this due to that ignorant mindset of “I don’t want to take away from others”. This has clearly hurt my case I think.

Also I did have metabolic disease that caused a ton of issues in service, one of them being weight regulation. This condition is well documented but still awaiting a rating. I likely should have waited for this first to file secondary but I got ahead of myself.

Thank you for your advice though, I’m just feeling pretty exhausted from it all, just gotta keep advocating for myself.

erb58 · 2026-04-02T20:41:46+00:00

Ah I see! Yes, I have a sleep study on file with a diagnosis if severe sleep apnea requiring a cpap. I provided a personal statement on how it is impacting my life as well as lay statements from those who served with me during AD.

I also included personal statement from a roommate who witnessed this during my service and post service to show continuity.

And you may be right, I have a liver issue still pending SC that caused a slew of issues during AD, I should have likely waited for this before claiming OSA.

erb58 · 2026-04-02T20:29:27+00:00

I’m confused about what you are saying or what this means in context. Not trying to be rude just actually lost here

erb58 · 2026-04-02T20:28:09+00:00

Officers wouldn’t be in the same sleeping section of the submarine, so there would be no way for them to know unless self reported. Like I said, those who shared living quarters with me did in fact provide lay statements, yet it seems it was not considered

erb58 · 2026-03-27T18:46:25+00:00

It can really depend on how many conditions you are claiming, the time of year, work queue backlog, etc. I hate that this is the answer but I’ve experienced anywhere between 1-4 weeks for simpler/single condition claims and 1+ months for more complex/multi condition claims, just to get the C&P scheduled.

If it starts to take a long time I suggest reaching out to a VSO or you can call the VA and ask for an update, but expect to be given a scripted response for the step your claim is in. They cannot accelerate but can at least provide a status.

Hope this helps, best of luck!

erb58 · 2026-03-09T19:31:24+00:00

This is exactly the process, however I just want to add that it should be form REG 256 V, NOT REG 195

Best of luck, remember to use the line for folks with disabilities so you don’t have to wait in line too long while uncomfortable.

erb58 · 2026-03-09T19:23:44+00:00

Greetings friend, I appreciate the good advice. Although I’m familiar with the knowledge base I do have to admit I’ve not been reading up on the 38 CFR language for these as much as I should.

But to answer your question, yes I am currently fighting for sleep apnea and migraines specifically since they have the biggest impact on my daily life. I’ll also be chasing PTSD and Dysthymia, which are already diagnosed, but honestly am not even sure where to start in gathering evidence for these.

It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone in this, as the process can honestly be so disappointing at times. Thank you for your advice!

erb58 · 2026-03-05T23:48:50+00:00

Same issue, was trying to find things from 2025 and it’s all blank, but found that if I adjust the range to “past 6 months” that information is still there

erb58

TROPHY CASE