RI Veterans: Did you know? 24-08-23 (Disability claims, events, resources… ) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues Understanding Evidence Needed for Favorable Decision by the VA. Question from one of our readers : I was denied service-connected disability for sleep apnea, although the VA medical center determined I had sleep insomnia and later issued me a CPAP machine? Ray, Smithfield Answer: After discussing VA decision with you and reviewing the decision denial for sleep apnea, was considered NOT SERVICE CONNECTED. Simply put, VA decision was lack of evidence linking sleep apnea to your military service. In the decision it details your service medical records reviewed on active duty did not have any evidence medically you were having sleep issues. Moreover, the claim was filed almost 10 years after you ended your deployment in Iraq and was discharged by the Army. Filing years later and having no medical supporting documents can be overcome. The VA has a three-prong method of determining service connected for a dis...