Sleep Apnea & Disability

[Arthur51]

Hello I am new to Message Board. My question is. Does anyone else on here suffer from Sleep Apnea and Congestive heart failure? If so are you on Social Security Disability? How long did it take to get started? I am full of questions. They sure don't tell you anything when filing for disability. I had to find web sites on internet to learn. My lawyer doesn't even seem to help.

[pavisnstl]

Hi Arthur,
I sincerely hope this msg finds you well. I too suffer from sleep apnea to date I have not been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, however the sleep disorder that I have is causing me problems on the job. I work nights (and do not care to work days) I work in an area where although I have a skilled profession because of the hour it is very slow. I am paid pretty much to provide coverage during the overnight hours because my company is required to provide it.

Consequently because I tend to fall asleep, not completely knocked out, but enough were it seems to be an issue for my supervisor, despite the fact that my job performance has not suffered nor does it irritate my co-workers because they are aware of the problem that I have.

I am a 56 yo female, not quite old enough to retire, but much to old to continue with the pressure and harassment from a supervisor thru her own admission does not feel that I am aware of the "zone" that I go into staring at a computer screen when not busy. In addition she also acknowledges that I am a good worker (Go figure) I have been threatened with write-ups that could eventually lead to termination.

I know that sleep apnea is a condition that could be considered disabling, however I really do not know how I can get the ball rolling to go on disability. I can not work for the next several years under these conditions until I am ready to retire. I am also on medication for this condition but I still find myself falling asleep. Have you gathered any other information since you wrote this posting

[alternativemedicine]

For sleep apnea that does affect your breathing while you sleep, go to the Social Security Disability website listings pages under Adult LISTINGS, and then go look under Respiratory System, as I found sleep apnea there. I don't have sleep apnea, but I do have other sleep dysfunctions and I have many other health problems. Good luck to you it's real hard to get disability, look this website over very carefully and see if it helps you. Remember this is the actual site right from the government on like a rule book for applying for and getting disability. It took me a long time to find this searching online. I hope it will help you and many others. Keep trying and do not give up.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/

Just go click this and it should be far on the bottom of this page:

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/3.00-Respiratory-Adult.htm#3.10%20Sleep-related%20breathing%20disorders

[beyondbeodd]

I recently met a new email buddy who suffers with Sleep Apnea and was awarded benefits through Social Security Disability. According to him, it was an effortless task when the doctor performed certain tests to which he failed, the doctor signed the necessary paperwork and in nine weeks he was awarded disability benefits. I will give him this link and perhaps he can be of more help. I know that sufferers of this disease need the benefits and I pray that all of you do so very soon.

[robertballard7]

[hessie28]

I've been thinking about it myself. I have OSA, Narcolepsy, and other issues. They say it is the extent of the illness and not just the illness that qualifies you. I am eligible for medical retirement at 41 years old. Just can't make that leap.