Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.

In this video, Leah discusses how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be connected to chronic sinusitis and its implications for VA disability claims. She explains that sleep apnea can be rated on a direct basis if diagnosed in service or as a secondary condition related to another service-connected disability, such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, obesity, or GERD. Through various studies, Leah highlights that nasal congestion significantly increases the prevalence of OSA and that conditions like chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis contribute to upper airway patency impairment, thus exacerbating OSA. She also delves into how nasal pathologies, including deviated septum and nasal inflammation, play a role in OSA by causing breathing obstructions.