This veteran’s sleep apnea claim was denied for “insufficient evidence.” We mapped a service-linked timeline, connected sleep studies, and added a secondary anxiety claim.
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Before
- Veteran filed a PTSD claim after service but was denied.
- No verified in-service stressor documented.
- Medical records showed treatment for anxiety and sleep issues, but not tied to military events.
- Claim lacked strong lay statements or supporting buddy letters.
What We Did
- Reviewed VA C-File and Blue Button records to identify stressor references.
- Pulled deployment logs and unit records to connect reported incidents with service timeline.
- Guided veteran in drafting a clear, detailed lay statement linking symptoms to service events.
- Recommended adding a buddy statement from a fellow service member who witnessed the event.
- Organized evidence into a chronological timeline for submission.
Result
- VA accepted the verified in-service stressor.
- PTSD claim was re-opened and approved.
- Veteran awarded a 70% rating with eligibility for TDIU consideration.
- Back pay granted from the original filing date of the claim.
