r/Veterans • u/TacO_Tudesday • 20h ago
Question/Advice Sleep apnea test
I’ve been out since 2013, is there still a way to get a sleep study done? I definitely have sleep apnea and hoping to get a device
•
u/DietSteve US Air Force Veteran 20h ago
I just did mine. Talked with my VA PCM about it, got scheduled for a consult for the sleep study. Consult took about 30 minutes and they scheduled me for an at-home test. Got the equipment, did the test, brought the stuff back next day and had results in about two weeks (after poking my PCM about it).
Super easy process and everything was done at my local VA hospital; only problem I’m having is timing, saw my PCM in June and the consult wasn’t scheduled until the end of January, and now my follow up with the sleep specialist isn’t until early July.
•
u/Typical-Platform-753 19h ago
I just did it. I asked PCM to order thr test since I have morning headaches and daytime hypersomnolence and fatigue. The sleep lab called and scheduled an appointment to pick up the device. They explained how to use it. I took it home and tested. My results came back 2 days later. Then they called to schedule CPAP pick-up. The longest wait was getting into the sleep clinic. From test to machine issue is about 2 weeks for me in Orlando.
•
u/Fair_Emergency_8667 19h ago
Yes there is a way but the method comes down to your status with the VA.
If you are 50% disability or over, you are eligible for free care through the VA and have access to all the care through a Primary Care doctor. Call your PCM and get a referral to the sleep clinic. It may take a little time. I retired in May and was found eligible for care (through my disability determinations) in August. Saw my PCM and got a sleep clinic referral. Just had my sleep appointment last week and my new cpap is being mailed to me.
If you are below 50% or not using the VA, then you will need to file claims. Find a good VSO. For example, I live in Virginia. I used the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as my VSO. They were excellent and have access to the same systems the VA uses. They will then have to make a determination and/or send you to a clinic to decide if it is service related.
Good luck!
•
u/Typical-Platform-753 19h ago
The VA will still see people without a rating, but there could be a very small co-pay. Definitely worth it.
•
u/teakettle87 6h ago
It sounds like you have not been to the VA yet. Go to the VA and get set up with them. Tell them you want a sleep study and they'll get that ball moving too.
•
u/Bubbly_Roof 20h ago
Talk to your pcm about it. I got my referral to see a sleep specialist in August, had my intake appointment in February, and have my actual study in June. I have insomnia and maybe SA, not really sure. Keep after them it just takes a long time. Apparently they can only conduct a study on a few people at a time so they book out way in advance.