Posted: 8/13/2024 8:49:15 PM EDT
| So, I have been on CPAP for about 15 years. Just finally got VA disability this year. When I went to the sleep doctor that the VA referred me to, they said I did not qualify for CPAP even thought my results showed over 40 apneas/hour. I have a referral to go again, but since they are going off of the VAs guidelines, Im sure they will still say I dont need one. Anyone go on their own paying with other insurance or out of pocket and get the VA to provide the machine and supplies? |
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Huh. So you just got a disability rating from the VA for sleep apnea but have been diagnosed and using a CPAP for years? I just want to make sure I understand. Seems like if you have a VA disability for it they should be providing the care, but I'm no expert on the VA. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last year, by the VA. During my annual VA physical I mentioned to my Doc that my O2 level drops below 90% when sleeping so she scheduled me for an appointment with the VA sleep clinic. I went through the testing and was diagnosed with it. Now I have the VA supplied CPAP machine and an O2 generator next to the bed. For CPAP supplies I can just order them on the VA website. My issue now is trying to figure out how to tie the sleep apnea to my military service so I can get rated on it. I have no good answer for you. Good luck. |
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The Sleep Apnea rating is 50% and now that you have that, VA should be paying and outfitting you with everything you need! Contact a Patient Advocate at your local VAMC or use DAV to type up an official letter for you to obtain these items. BTW they send this out internally with strict guidelines to stop using "the" before VA. It is not "The Veterans Affairs" (unless you drop "Dept" in there) This stems from when it used to be "The Veterans Administration" - hence "The VA" but was changed by Pres Regan in 1989 to just - Veterans Affairs. VA Don’t use “the” before VA when it’s used as a noun. However, when VA serves as an adjective, use the article where appropriate. Go to entry for “Department of Veterans Affairs” for full guidance. - As a noun: VA announced today that… - As a noun phrase (“VA facilities”): Some VA facilities in Texas are affected by Hurricane Florida. - As an adjective (modifying “task force”): The VA task force announced today… |
The VA replaced the mask system I had been using for years, stating supply chain issues. The new mask caused headaches, so I took matters into my own hands. I found my old preferredmask on Amazon and just paid out of pocket for it. 
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So, what I am asking has nothing to do with rating. I am rated for sleep apnea, but the place my VA doc sent me to said that I didn't meet the VAs requirement to be prescribed a machine, even though I have been on one for many years. What I am asking is that if I go to a private sleep clinic and they prescribe me one, can I take that prescription to the VA and get a machine and supplies |
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Originally Posted By aperdue: So, what I am asking has nothing to do with rating. I am rated for sleep apnea, but the place my VA doc sent me to said that I didn't meet the VAs requirement to be prescribed a machine, even though I have been on one for many years. What I am asking is that if I go to a private sleep clinic and they prescribe me one, can I take that prescription to the VA and get a machine and supplies The short answer is no. The long answer is, what is your AHI? I've been on CPAP therapy for about 15 years. I am seen directly by the apnea clinic at my local VAMC. My current AHI while on therapy is between 1.5 and 2. Ultimately, if the local VA doesn't have an apnea clinic they are sending you to a Community Care provider to prescribe your therapy and that provider is going to do as they see fit. What matters here is that they're making this recommendation correctly. If they aren't, you do have avenues for recourse. For added context I'm an RN that works for the VHA. |
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Originally Posted By aperdue: So, what I am asking has nothing to do with rating. I am rated for sleep apnea, but the place my VA doc sent me to said that I didn't meet the VAs requirement to be prescribed a machine, even though I have been on one for many years. What I am asking is that if I go to a private sleep clinic and they prescribe me one, can I take that prescription to the VA and get a machine and supplies If you are 50%+, yes. That's how I got started with my CPAP. I was on CPAP and then was awarded 60%. Took the prescription to my PCP at the VA, they took over from there. Having an AHI of 114.8 didn't hurt things with my PCP when she asked how bad things were. 
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