The Hardest Claim to Win (And How to Win It)
Sleep Apnea is a “high-value” claim, often rated at 50% (with a CPAP). However, unless you were diagnosed during service, winning a direct service connection is incredibly difficult.
The strategy? Secondary Service Connection.
The PTSD Connection
Many veterans are denied because they try to link Sleep Apnea to burn pits or noise exposure. The stronger medical link is often PTSD.
- Aggravation: PTSD medication and chronic stress can lead to weight gain (obesity), which causes Sleep Apnea.
- The Physiology: Fight-or-flight stress responses can disrupt sleep architecture.
Why You Keep Getting Denied
You likely received a denial letter stating: “No medical nexus found.”
Evidence mills (like Telemedica or REE) often sell generic nexus letters that look the same for everyone. The VA raters know this, and they reject them.
The Woobie Difference: Real Doctors, Real Evidence
We don’t use templates. We connect you with independent medical experts who review your specific file. They write a Nexus Letter that explains the complex medical link between your PTSD and your Sleep Apnea.
This approach is why our clients see claims processed 40% faster than the VA average. Don’t rely on a template to do a doctor’s job.