Denied sleep apnea claim secondary to PTSD

Meet Jim

Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits who is also editor and webmaster of the popular VA Watchdog website. Jim writes extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits. Jim is kind enough to answer questions from visitors on StatesideLegal.org here in Jim's Mailbag.

About Jim's Mailbag

Jim's Mailbag is a regular column where veterans, servicemembers, and family members can find answers about their VA and Social Security disability benefits. Although we are not accepting new questions at this time, you can browse all of the previous Q&As here and search Jim's Mailbag for helpful answers to your specific VA issue.

May 26, 2020

Question:

Hi Jim, I was denied a sleep apnea claim secondary to PTSD 30% rating. I filled appeal with my DAV in January. What should my next steps be? Thanks for the help

Jim's Reply:

You'll need an IMO to prevail. I'd suggest that you speak with any or all of the physicians and psychologists you'll find here to learn if one of them will be able to help you. I'd have also said you will need a veterans law attorney rather than a VSO...veterans law attorneys win more cases. In any case...the IMO will be a must.