I know it is possible to be rated SC as secondary to a SC condition. But is it possible to be rated SC as secondary to a secondarily SC rated condition? Is this considered pyramiding?
Here are two of my SC ratings and what I view to be secondary to each. I know I need a medical nexus. I have an appointment with my primary care doctor to see what he says.
Any opinions are greatly appreciated.
20% SC for allergic rhinitis/sinusitus
Sleep apnea
- I have almost all of the symptoms, including getting up to go to the bathroom at night
- Sinuses always stuffy, worse if I miss my medicine
- Must sleep with VA made night guard to prevent grinding (related to TMJ, below)
- I was prescribed ambien, but still wake up feeling unrested
- Plan on asking for a sleep apnea study
- Hoping for SC secondary to my SC allergic rhinitis/sinusitus
Atrial Afibrulation
- I have it and am being treated
- VA prescribed sudafed in 5/1998, known to cause heart problems
- Studies show 50% of patients also have obstructive sleep apnea
- Studies also show sleep apnea multiplies risk of arrhythmias like Afib by 18x
- Hoping for SC secondary to possible SC sleep apnea
10% SC for TMJ
Reflux
- VA prescribed Axid in 12/1995, less than a year after I got out
- VA prescribed Omeprazole in 3/1996, less than a year after I got out, been on it ever since
- Known side effect of NSAID (naproxen, ibuprofin)
- VA prescribed naproxen and ibuprofin to me for years
- Hoping for SC secondary to TMJ, caused by treatment medication
Chronic Pain Syndrome
- TMJ pain always there to varying degrees, despite medication
- Frustrated
- Sometimes hard to eat, due to pain
- Hoping for SC secondary to TMJ
Depression or Anxiety
- Known side effect of NSAID (naproxen, ibuprofin)
- Known side effect of singulair
- Miss work 1-3 times/month going to VA appointments, worried about job
- Tired of being sick all the time
- Only happy when I am with my girlfriend and my daughter
- Lost interest in most everything else
- Hoping for SC secondary to any of the above