Sleep apnea decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected degenerative changes of the thoracic spine and recurrent lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case due to the appellant accepting the decision on his claim.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension due to need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the current conditions are not related to his military service.

The veteran's lumbosacral spine spondylolisthesis with degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 is currently rated 20 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The veteran's hypertension claim was denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. His left knee arthralgia with crepitus does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's neurosarcoidosis and headaches are service-connected due to their presumptive relationship with her military service. She is also granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder related to service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining pertinent treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective date for the award of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with herniated disc at L5-S1 is March 13, 2001.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination and consideration of new rating criteria.

The Board found that the veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to his service-connected bronchial asthma and denied both the secondary service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea and the increased rating claim for bronchial asthma.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and meralgia paresthetica were incurred in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for the veteran's lumbosacral strain and cervical whiplash injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease, currently rated at 40 percent. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that there is no evidence linking his current disability to his service or any incident therein.

The Board found that the veteran's current nerve disorders of the right arm, neck and back are not related to his inservice laceration injury. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected and have denied his claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar strain with disc disease and lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent prior to October 15, 2001 or a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain residuals are currently rated at 40 percent, effective October 11, 2000. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.