Sleep apnea and hypertension are closely linked health issues that significantly impact veterans’ lives. A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that over half of the 420 veterans screened tested positive for sleep apnea.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects more than 37% of veterans and is the most common vascular risk factor among those who have had a stroke. Research has shown that untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the development and worsening of hypertension.
Can Hypertension Cause Sleep Apnea?
Studies show that individuals with high blood pressure are more likely to develop sleep apnea. This is because hypertension leads to changes in the structure of the upper airway, making it more prone to collapse during sleep.
Additionally, hypertension sometimes causes fluid retention, which may accumulate in the neck and increase the likelihood of airway obstruction. This creates a cycle that exacerbates both conditions (see the video below to find out more).
How Sleep Apnea Can Cause High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea can cause hypertension due to the repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation during sleep. This lack of oxygen triggers the body’s stress response, leading to increased blood pressure.
By understanding the connection between these two conditions, veterans can better manage their health and navigate the VA disability claims process. Read more below or watch this video to find out everything you need to know:
How Can I Claim Sleep Apnea as Secondary Condition to Hypertension?
- Medical Diagnosis: Ensure you have a confirmed diagnosis of both hypertension and sleep apnea from a qualified healthcare provider.
- Nexus Letter: Obtain a nexus letter from your doctor. This letter should explain how your hypertension has caused or aggravated your sleep apnea, citing relevant medical research and your specific medical history.
- Consistent Medical Records: Maintain comprehensive and consistent medical records showing the progression and treatment of both conditions.
- VA Form 21-526EZ: Submit this form to file your claim, along with all supporting medical documentation and the nexus letter.
Master the VA Disability Claims Process
How a Veteran Secured Service Connection for Sleep Apnea
Case File Referenced Here
A veteran who served on active duty from 1986 to 1994 filed for service connection for sleep apnea, claiming that his symptoms began during his military service. Initially, the VA denied the claim, but the veteran appealed, arguing that his sleep apnea was linked to his time in service and potentially connected to his service-connected hypertension.
The veteran testified that he experienced symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and snoring while on active duty—symptoms that were later diagnosed as severe obstructive sleep apnea in a 2003 private sleep study. He presented supporting evidence from a VA physician who noted that these symptoms were consistent with sleep apnea and had likely begun during his military service.
Despite some gaps in the medical records from his time in service, the veteran’s consistent testimony and the VA physician’s assessment provided strong support for his claim.
As a result, the Board granted service connection for the veteran’s sleep apnea. Key factors in the decision included:
- Symptom Consistency: The veteran’s testimony about his fatigue, headaches, and snoring during service was consistent with the later diagnosis of sleep apnea.
- Medical Support: A VA physician’s opinion linked the veteran’s in-service symptoms to sleep apnea, reinforcing the claim.
- Credible Testimony: The veteran’s credible and consistent reporting of symptoms from his time in service played a crucial role in the decision.
The Board concluded that the veteran’s sleep apnea was etiologically related to his active service, warranting service connection.
Getting a VA Rating for Hypertension Secondary to Sleep Apnea
Conversely, sleep apnea sometimes contributes to the development of high blood pressure. The repeated episodes of apnea during sleep lead to sympathetic nervous system activation, causing increases in blood pressure.
A claim for hypertension as the secondary condition will require evidence very similar to the one for sleep apnea secondary to hypertension, with a nexus letter and documentation to prove the connection. In either case, addressing both conditions can help veterans get the benefits they rightfully deserve.
How to Claim and Win Disability Benefits
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Content Reviewed by
Attorney Matthew Hill
Attorney Matthew Hill, licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., a dedicated advocate for disabled veterans with over two decades of experience, reviewed the information in this post.
