Apnea secondary to spine/lower lumbar and weight? in VA Disability Claims (General) Forum

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Apnea secondary to spine/lower lumbar and weight?

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BrokenSoldier244th	Apnea secondary to spine/lower lumbar and weight?		Lead	[-]
Posts: 1546 Jun 1 09 4:14 PM	Tags : apnea, spine, degenerative disc Can sleep apnea be secondary to weight, gained as a result of a 40% lower spine degenerative disc condition, or is that a huge stretch? Since I discharged in 2002 my sleep has gotten worse and worse, with periods of restlessness, wakefulness (just can't sleep after waking up for no reason) or sleeping but feeling like I never actually get any rest. Im rated 50% total (40% degen. Disc, and 10% tinnitus, and 10% radiculopathy of the leg). I don't feel depressed, so I don't want to go request a psych consult, though before I got out my on post PCP had been prescribing me Elivil but I don't remember if he told me it was for sleep, or for possible depression while waiting for my PEB. Ive currently been prescribed only muscle relaxers for spasms, and 3200+ mg Ibuprofen, and Ultram for pain-nothing for sleep or depression, for the last 7 years. Regardless of whether I file for it or not, is apnea a possibility and if so, what issues does it cause? I currently weigh 287, and am 5' 10". CAS The Earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching. --Assyrian Stone Tablet, c.2800 BCE 50% Sleep Apnea 50% Depression 40% DDD, L5-S1, L4-5, L2-L3 10% Radiculopathy 10% Tinnitus 0% ED/Sexual Dysfunction ------------------------------------------- Current Claims/Appeals ------------------------------------------- SMC-K for ED-Appeal Sciatic pain left leg-appeal Sleep Apnea, w/ CPAP ------------------------------------------ B.S. Info Systems Mgt/Systems Analysis-Doane College 2008 M.S. Information Security and Assurance-Western Governors University 2013
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Boomer64gaw	Good Question	#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 100 Jun 1 09 4:51 PM	Brian or Patrick? I am curious about this as well. If you have gained weight due to back issues, and it lead to sleep apnea, and it is documented that your weight gain and back issue are the culprits behind your sleep apnea, can it be a secondary condition? I have always wondered about other issues as well in this regard. Like ED, diabetes, and addiction to pain killers. If these issued were created due to your back condition, and a link or nexus is made, can these all be secondary conditions? 40% Degenerative Joint & Degenerative Disc Disease 50% Major Depressive Disorder 10% Lumbar Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity 10% Diverticulitis Edited 1 time by Boomer64gaw Jun 1 09 6:41 PM.
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exjarhead		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 947 Jun 1 09 5:44 PM	Good question! Brian and Patrick are great and very knowledgable---BUT---it really doesnt matter what they think. Your doctor has to make this medical decision and back it up with sound medical rational. I would still like to hear their opinion. .
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tyelcid94		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 8 Jun 1 09 7:46 PM	Ok have a couple of questions and see if you guys can help me out. I was on active duty from 96-99 and within the first couple of weeks on active duty I had a herinated disk in my lower back (L4/L5). I had surgery in 1996 to correct the problem. When I got out in 99 they (VA) gave me only 10% disability. As recently as October of last year (2007) I have been having the same exact problems from back in 96: Radiating pain from my right him to the back of my leg (to my calf), cant stand or sit longer for 15-20 min at a time, Hip and lower back pain. . .pressure in lower back, etc. I went to my local VA clinic and the Dr gave me a X Ray which stated that I had arthritis on my pelvic area (right) but when they did the MRI it was determined that I had a bulged disk on the exact same location as my surgery and a little lower that is what has been causing the issues. I put in a claim in March 2009 (recieved in April 3) and they told me as recently that they are in the stage of gathering documents to support my claim (which I called VA and told them that all my supporting documation is at my clinic). Could anyone give me an appoximate range that I could be looking at as far as an increase? I put in a claim also for my hip? Also could someone please give me a range of time that I may be looking at for a decision?
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Boomer64gaw		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 100 Jun 1 09 8:06 PM	tyelcid94 wrote: Ok have a couple of questions and see if you guys can help me out. I was on active duty from 96-99 and within the first couple of weeks on active duty I had a herinated disk in my lower back (L4/L5). I had surgery in 1996 to correct the problem. When I got out in 99 they (VA) gave me only 10% disability. As recently as October of last year (2007) I have been having the same exact problems from back in 96: Radiating pain from my right him to the back of my leg (to my calf), cant stand or sit longer for 15-20 min at a time, Hip and lower back pain. . .pressure in lower back, etc. I went to my local VA clinic and the Dr gave me a X Ray which stated that I had arthritis on my pelvic area (right) but when they did the MRI it was determined that I had a bulged disk on the exact same location as my surgery and a little lower that is what has been causing the issues. I put in a claim in March 2009 (recieved in April 3) and they told me as recently that they are in the stage of gathering documents to support my claim (which I called VA and told them that all my supporting documation is at my clinic). Could anyone give me an appoximate range that I could be looking at as far as an increase? I put in a claim also for my hip? Also could someone please give me a range of time that I may be looking at for a decision? I just filed for an increase for L5 S-1 ( I am at 20% now), due to much less flexibility (I believe they call it flexion) than I had originally. In fact, I have no flexibility at all any more. I have the gadget (appliance) to help me put my socks on supplied by the VA, as well as the giant shoe horn (another appliance), to help me put my shoes on. I cannot lift anything. I have radiculopathy (EMG verified) with pain radiating down my legs with numbness in both legs and feet, as well as arthritis. I am hoping to get at least 10 % more for my back at least. I also have been seeing a psychiatrist for two years, and have been on pain meds, as well as a few others. I am getting fee based service at a civilian psychiatrist the VA is paying for because I am more than an hour each way. Your case seems as though it is similar to mine in location, so I am curious to see how you make out. I am still waiting word since mid April on mine. I know the paperwork was sent back to the examiner for some clarification (questions), so I am not sure how much longer it will be. It would seem that the only difference between our cases, is I am applying for the depression as a secondary. 40% Degenerative Joint & Degenerative Disc Disease 50% Major Depressive Disorder 10% Lumbar Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity 10% Diverticulitis Edited 1 time by Boomer64gaw Jun 1 09 8:19 PM.
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BrokenSoldier244th	Back issues	#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1546 Jun 1 09 8:16 PM	The radiating pain sounds sciatic. The VA rates back injuries on many criteria, but ROM (range of motion) is an acronym you will hear and see a lot, and is a large basis of their determination. (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln...disexm53.htm here is the page on VBA.VA.gov) I have degenerative disc, herniated L5-S1, and bulging L3-4 and 4-5. Its a trip-radiating pain, muscle spasms, and radiculopathy in the left leg (recurring numbness, loss of feeling). Good luck! The Earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching. --Assyrian Stone Tablet, c.2800 BCE 50% Sleep Apnea 50% Depression 40% DDD, L5-S1, L4-5, L2-L3 10% Radiculopathy 10% Tinnitus 0% ED/Sexual Dysfunction ------------------------------------------- Current Claims/Appeals ------------------------------------------- SMC-K for ED-Appeal Sciatic pain left leg-appeal Sleep Apnea, w/ CPAP ------------------------------------------ B.S. Info Systems Mgt/Systems Analysis-Doane College 2008 M.S. Information Security and Assurance-Western Governors University 2013
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BrokenSoldier244th	sorry Mods...	#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1546 Jun 1 09 8:25 PM	It seems like this thread is devolving into the Back/spine Issues 101 thread. I apolgize, I probably should have been more specific with my question. The Earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching. --Assyrian Stone Tablet, c.2800 BCE 50% Sleep Apnea 50% Depression 40% DDD, L5-S1, L4-5, L2-L3 10% Radiculopathy 10% Tinnitus 0% ED/Sexual Dysfunction ------------------------------------------- Current Claims/Appeals ------------------------------------------- SMC-K for ED-Appeal Sciatic pain left leg-appeal Sleep Apnea, w/ CPAP ------------------------------------------ B.S. Info Systems Mgt/Systems Analysis-Doane College 2008 M.S. Information Security and Assurance-Western Governors University 2013 Edited 1 time by BrokenSoldier244th Jun 1 09 11:25 PM.
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exjarhead		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 947 Jun 1 09 10:15 PM	BrokenSoldier244th wrote: Can sleep apnea be secondary to weight, gained as a result of a 40% lower spine degenerative disc condition, or is that a huge stretch? CAS Back to the original question? .
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cruiser		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 17473 Jun 1 09 10:31 PM	BrokenSoldier244th wrote: Can sleep apnea be secondary to weight, gained as a result of a 40% lower spine degenerative disc condition, or is that a huge stretch? It depends. Did your back condition CAUSE you to gain weight? And is your sleep apnea due to weight gain? Can your doctor adequately state a case for your back CAUSING you to gain weight? There are some medical conditions that can cause significant weight gain. Long term use of high dose steroids can cause significant weight gain, for example. Looking at a back condition, I'm not sure how that would cause you to gain weight. It could certainly reduce your ability to exercise but that doesn't in and of itself cause weight gain. You will only gain weight if you continue to take in more calories each day than you are burning; therefore, if you reduce your caloric intake to match the reduction in exercise brought on by your back condition, you don't gain the weight. This is why athletes must reduce the amount of food that they eat after their playing days are over or they tend to blow up like blimps. In other words, while you can't control your ability to exercise, you can control the amount of calories you take in each day. So the question would be, did your back condition prevent you from controlling your caloric intake? Don't get me wrong, I"m not trying to bust your chops or anything; but as a former VA DRO I'm approaching your question like I would if I was working this claim at VA. Cruiser
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BrokenSoldier244th	Nope...thats exactly what I was looking for, Thank you.	#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1546 Jun 1 09 11:32 PM	Im more concerned about the possibility of apnea, but I know weight can sometimes cause it, and I used to be very active until I was injured. I don't know if its apnea, but my wife says I snore badly and while I 'should' be getting 8 hours of sleep a night based on when I go to bed, I continuously feel like ive been hit by a truck day after day. Im tired, grumpy, moody, I hurt, and I find myself slipping into a DGAF attitude unless I work really hard to keep it at bay. Ive been monitoring my calories for the last few weeks pretty religiously and I average around 2000 a day, which, for me, should be enough to lose a lb to 1.5 a week. I was reading other threads in here about apnea and I never thought of that as possibility, though I have not yet been in to check it. Thanks, Cruiser. The Earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching. --Assyrian Stone Tablet, c.2800 BCE 50% Sleep Apnea 50% Depression 40% DDD, L5-S1, L4-5, L2-L3 10% Radiculopathy 10% Tinnitus 0% ED/Sexual Dysfunction ------------------------------------------- Current Claims/Appeals ------------------------------------------- SMC-K for ED-Appeal Sciatic pain left leg-appeal Sleep Apnea, w/ CPAP ------------------------------------------ B.S. Info Systems Mgt/Systems Analysis-Doane College 2008 M.S. Information Security and Assurance-Western Governors University 2013
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Boomer64gaw		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 100 Jun 2 09 8:40 AM	cruiser wrote: BrokenSoldier244th wrote: Can sleep apnea be secondary to weight, gained as a result of a 40% lower spine degenerative disc condition, or is that a huge stretch? It depends. Did your back condition CAUSE you to gain weight? And is your sleep apnea due to weight gain? Can your doctor adequately state a case for your back CAUSING you to gain weight? There are some medical conditions that can cause significant weight gain. Long term use of high dose steroids can cause significant weight gain, for example. Looking at a back condition, I'm not sure how that would cause you to gain weight. It could certainly reduce your ability to exercise but that doesn't in and of itself cause weight gain. You will only gain weight if you continue to take in more calories each day than you are burning; therefore, if you reduce your caloric intake to match the reduction in exercise brought on by your back condition, you don't gain the weight. This is why athletes must reduce the amount of food that they eat after their playing days are over or they tend to blow up like blimps. In other words, while you can't control your ability to exercise, you can control the amount of calories you take in each day. So the question would be, did your back condition prevent you from controlling your caloric intake? Don't get me wrong, I"m not trying to bust your chops or anything; but as a former VA DRO I'm approaching your question like I would if I was working this claim at VA. Cruiser Can controlling your caloric intake alone keep you from gaining weight? I have always been told that it is a combination. I have not been able to do any exercise at all since my back got much worse. I have had a variety of issues since, to include sleep apnea and a few others. If you were to get a letter from a doctore stating your weight gain led to sleep apnea, which was derived from my back issue, would this validate a claim? 40% Degenerative Joint & Degenerative Disc Disease 50% Major Depressive Disorder 10% Lumbar Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity 10% Diverticulitis
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tyelcid94		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 8 Jun 2 09 11:42 AM	Sorry about that. I just realized that I was in the wrong thread. Sorry everyone
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BrokenSoldier244th		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1546 Jun 2 09 12:08 PM	No problem! Ive done it too...I see the word "back" or "spine" or something and wade in and find its about surgery, or post surgical intervention, or something else. I then sheepishly exit stage left. The Earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching. --Assyrian Stone Tablet, c.2800 BCE 50% Sleep Apnea 50% Depression 40% DDD, L5-S1, L4-5, L2-L3 10% Radiculopathy 10% Tinnitus 0% ED/Sexual Dysfunction ------------------------------------------- Current Claims/Appeals ------------------------------------------- SMC-K for ED-Appeal Sciatic pain left leg-appeal Sleep Apnea, w/ CPAP ------------------------------------------ B.S. Info Systems Mgt/Systems Analysis-Doane College 2008 M.S. Information Security and Assurance-Western Governors University 2013
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gmoorhouse		#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 51 Jun 3 09 3:58 AM	BrokenSoldier244th wrote: Can sleep apnea be secondary to weight, gained as a result of a 40% lower spine degenerative disc condition, or is that a huge stretch? Since I discharged in 2002 my sleep has gotten worse and worse, with periods of restlessness, wakefulness (just can't sleep after waking up for no reason) or sleeping but feeling like I never actually get any rest. Im rated 50% total (40% degen. Disc, and 10% tinnitus, and 10% radiculopathy of the leg). I don't feel depressed, so I don't want to go request a psych consult, though before I got out my on post PCP had been prescribing me Elivil but I don't remember if he told me it was for sleep, or for possible depression while waiting for my PEB. Ive currently been prescribed only muscle relaxers for spasms, and 3200+ mg Ibuprofen, and Ultram for pain-nothing for sleep or depression, for the last 7 years. Regardless of whether I file for it or not, is apnea a possibility and if so, what issues does it cause? I currently weigh 287, and am 5' 10". CAS Broken, Don't let anyone tell you no, opinons are like A$$holes. First look us the side effects of all those meds. You and only you know if you have been eating more........Yes, get a doctor to say the reason of your OSA. Ultram if it relaxes you then it can cause sleep apnea, your sleep doctor should have asked if you drink alcohol, why............because what it does to your breathing. But look make sure you use your CPAP especially if you use the Ultram Ultram
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BrokenSoldier244th	interesting info	#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1546 Jun 3 09 1:00 PM	I don' t have a CPAP because I don't know yet if its apnea. I drink about 1 drink a month, if that, so I know that's not a factor. I don't want to waste anyone's time (VA/Rater/CP) I just didnt want to start trying to connect dots that won't connect, you know? I eat around 2000 calories a day, and to maintain my weight most of the scales say I should be eating 2800 and up. Ive been monitoring my intake for the last few weeks and I haven't experienced any drop in weight, so hopefully its just my taking its sweet time and not metabolic. I also work a seated office job in the networking services industry so that doesn't help. Stress, on call, lousily timed (or nonexistant) meals-because im a workaholic. Thanks for the ideas to run down, Gmoorhouse. The Earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching. --Assyrian Stone Tablet, c.2800 BCE 50% Sleep Apnea 50% Depression 40% DDD, L5-S1, L4-5, L2-L3 10% Radiculopathy 10% Tinnitus 0% ED/Sexual Dysfunction ------------------------------------------- Current Claims/Appeals ------------------------------------------- SMC-K for ED-Appeal Sciatic pain left leg-appeal Sleep Apnea, w/ CPAP ------------------------------------------ B.S. Info Systems Mgt/Systems Analysis-Doane College 2008 M.S. Information Security and Assurance-Western Governors University 2013
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Boomer64gaw	Sleep Study	#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 100 Jun 3 09 4:21 PM	BrokenSoldier244th wrote: I don' t have a CPAP because I don't know yet if its apnea. I drink about 1 drink a month, if that, so I know that's not a factor. I don't want to waste anyone's time (VA/Rater/CP) I just didnt want to start trying to connect dots that won't connect, you know? I eat around 2000 calories a day, and to maintain my weight most of the scales say I should be eating 2800 and up. Ive been monitoring my intake for the last few weeks and I haven't experienced any drop in weight, so hopefully its just my taking its sweet time and not metabolic. I also work a seated office job in the networking services industry so that doesn't help. Stress, on call, lousily timed (or nonexistant) meals-because im a workaholic. Thanks for the ideas to run down, Gmoorhouse. I would go to the VA and ask for a sleep study. Just tell your primary care you are tired all of the time, and you feel like you never sleep, and you snore badly, and that should do it. Probably mention since gaining weight due to your SC disability is when the trouble began to manifest itself. 40% Degenerative Joint & Degenerative Disc Disease 50% Major Depressive Disorder 10% Lumbar Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity 10% Diverticulitis Edited 1 time by Boomer64gaw Jun 3 09 4:27 PM.
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MLR		#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 82 Jun 8 09 2:15 AM	I've pondered the same question. injury = lack of activity = weight gain = sleep apnea? I tore my knee up...took army 9 months to operate....went from 180 to 238 in 9 months. I was not eating anymore than normal...but my wife was pregnant so maybe I gained some of her pregnancy weight too. LoL I know that my sleep apnea started during that time....my wife confirmed it BUT I was not diagnosed until 8 years later (which was 2 years after I was out of Army). To be honest, I had no idea what sleep apnea was & I thought my tiredness, etc, etc was me just being me. I never realized that my wife's comments that I stop breathign in my sleep was more than just a snoring pattern. I have a re-eval in fro SA right now, so I'll let y aknow what develops over the course of time.
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shelley7		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 710 Jun 8 09 9:05 PM	as cruiser said your weight gain is caused by when you eat more calories than you are burning. Having a back condition does not preclude exercise. There are physical therapists that will work with water exercise, seated exercise just using the arms etc. If you truly cannot exercise to burn the calories then you need to lower the amount of food you are eating to maintain your weight. This one would be a hard sell at most RO's I know. As one DRO I know put it, we are not force feeding you therefor the weight gain is not the militarys fault. His words not mine.
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ajunkajun.missing87975	Sleep Apnea secondary to weight gain caused by lumbar issues	#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7 Feb 12 10 1:15 AM	I have a claim pending for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea secondary to C-Spine Issues. (Fusion of C-5-C7) My neck was literally broken and C-6 was removed. They happened to have a cadaver that provided the "replacement C-6 part." A general practioner and a sleep specialist have provided supporting documentation stating there is a correlation between my C-Spine issues. Per the DAV it should be an open and shut claim. The claim was submitted in June 09 and I am still waiting. Correct me if I'm wrong on this folks. In my readings, the connection between Sleep Apnea and Weight is a double edge sword. Excessive weight can "induce" sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea can also cause weight gain. Chronic use of muscle relaxers and or narcotic classes of pain killers can also be a cause of sleep apnea. I read an interesting article on the Paralyzed Veterans of America's web site today in regards to spinal cord injuries and spinal disease. To summarize: YOU NEED TO BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE and EDUCATE YOURSELF. My personal opinion is that a claim for sleep apnea secondary to the weight gain because of lower spine issues would be a big stretch. Chronic use of muscle relaxers can cause the muscles of the throat to "relax" inducing sleep apnea along with relaxing the intended area of pain/discomfort. This may be a better approach to your concern/claim. There are a number of web sites with accurate information on sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea as well as forums on the subject. My suggestion would be to educate yourself to see if you can come up with a legitamate link between your service connected issue and the secondary issue. Prepare your claim/case as if you are going to court to represent yourself. The burden of proof is upon you. Lastly, remember you only have one chance to make a "first impression." Don't try to BS them! Good Luck!!!
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gmoorhouse	Learn sheeple Learn	#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 51 Jun 29 10 6:03 PM	shelley7 wrote: as cruiser said your weight gain is caused by when you eat more calories than you are burning. Having a back condition does not preclude exercise. There are physical therapists that will work with water exercise, seated exercise just using the arms etc. If you truly cannot exercise to burn the calories then you need to lower the amount of food you are eating to maintain your weight. This one would be a hard sell at most RO's I know. As one DRO I know put it, we are not force feeding you therefor the weight gain is not the militarys fault. His words not mine. BrokenSoldier244th I know this post is a year old! Educate yourself about your body versus follow the ........... You should look at your thyroid or other conditions that affect your metabolism. Yes, people who do not want to help you out or deny your claim will say food is the problem but forgive those that are so ignorant they are such and will never change. Look at your body tempertures. Low body temp will probably equate to slow metabolism and thryoid problems. I had a good doctor and he never believed me........but my thyroid tests were documented along with other symptoms. I'm not saying you had or have thyroid or other problems but I did and I dealt with those like the ones responding to this thread. Best of luck to you
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koulianosklan		#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 22 Aug 8 11 8:50 PM	Were you able to connect the thyroid to any sc.
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