Looking for advice - should I open a claim?
I know this depends on several factors, so I'm looking for some advice before I contact the DAV, who was my VSO for the last claim I opened.
I am currently rated for the following, with the percentages and date the claim was established:
- Adjustment Disorder - 70% - 6/22/2021
- Tinnitus - 10% - 3/26/2021
- Right knee sprain- 10% - 3/26/2021
- Left knee sprain- 10% - 3/26/2021
- DDD lumbar- 10% - 3/26/2021
- Radiculopathy, left- 20% - 3/26/2021
- Radiculopathy, right- 10% - 3/26/2021
- Cervicalgia- 20% - 3/26/2021
According to VA math, that brings my combined rating to 89%. I am rated at 90%, P&T TDIU.
All of my conditions have remained static or gotten worse. My mental health doesn't meet the requirement for 100% scheduler. My back might be eligible for an increase since it is refractory to physical therapy.
I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have a CPAP machine that I use nightly.
According to the scheduler: 6847 - Requires use of breathing assistance (CPAP) - 50%
50% of 11% is 5.5%, which rounds up to 95%, which then rounds up to 100%.
Does that math math, and what am I opening myself up to if I open a claim solely for that?
Posted Apr 26, 2026, 9:33 PM UTC