Sleep apnea decisions — 2000

The veteran is seeking a higher disability evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records and evidence from the RO level, is necessary before this case can be adjudicated.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected mild obstructive sleep apnea, bronchitis with a history of pneumonia and scarred lungs, and cognitive impairment not otherwise specified. The RO had initially granted these conditions with specific ratings but the veteran appealed.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, but denied increased ratings for his right knee and right ankle disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes is not productive of more than severe intervertebral disc syndrome and has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis, warranting a 40 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a stomach disorder, and lumbosacral strain are not well-grounded. The medical evidence did not demonstrate current disabilities for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, skin condition, sinusitis, and headaches are not well grounded. The claim for sleep apnea is granted as it was incurred in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ due to service-connected disability, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking his sexual dysfunction to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant, finding that his loss of use of one lower extremity and related disabilities did not preclude locomotion without aid of braces, crutches, canes, or wheelchair.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for primary and secondary service connection for his skin disorder, as well as a claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain. The decision also noted that the veteran's plantar calluses of both feet are caused by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's degenerative spondyloarthrosis of the lumbosacral spine, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The veteran has withdrawn their appeal, citing no specific issues or conditions for further consideration.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of her lumbosacral strain and gastroenteritis. Service connection claims are also pending.

The veteran's initial evaluations for his low back disorder and right knee disorders have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected nasal injury with deviated septum has aggravated his sleep apnea. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is not well-grounded due to lack of evidence showing a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year after separation from service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for retropatellar arthralgia of the right knee, lumbosacral strain, and major depression.

The Board denied service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine and loss of bladder control as secondary to the service-connected back disorder. The veteran's tinnitus was not addressed in this decision, but is related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board granted a rating of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy, finding that it more closely approximates the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain and traumatic arthritis are currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and the residuals of a fracture of the left femur with shortening, anterior bowing, and varus deformity are also rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied as the evidence does not show that his disability meets or approximates the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, but denied an increase in rating for chronic bilateral iritis.