CPAP Machines, VA Ratings, and Why Your Spouse's Complaints Matter

Sleep apnea is a serious condition causing breathing pauses during sleep that impacts every system in your body and accelerates aging if left untreated. Medical expert Bethanie Spangenberg explains why this qualifies for a 50% VA disability rating and may soon face rating schedule changes.• Sleep apnea affects heart function, mental health, blood pressure, brain function, and metabolic processes• Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, feeling unrested, frequent nighttime waking, and morning headaches• CPAP machines are the primary treatment option despite being challenging to adjust to for many patients• Mental health conditions like PTSD and depression correlate with higher rates of sleep apnea even without other risk factors• Alternative treatments include BiPAP, APAP, oral devices, and surgical interventions as a last resort• Current VA rating schedule provides 50% disability for sleep apnea requiring CPAP, but changes may be coming• Veterans should get tested promptly if they experience symptoms, as diagnosis before rating changes would be grandfatheredTune in live every Thursday at 7 PM EST and join the conversation! Click here to listen and chat with us. Visit J Basser's Exposed Vet Productions (Formerly Exposed Vet Radioshow) YouTube page by clicking here.