Sleep apnea decisions — 2007

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and his bilateral knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The RO has granted the requested increased ratings.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for basal cell carcinoma and osteosarcoma of the right femur, as well as an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and a higher evaluation for bilateral tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine with degenerative joint disease and a history of lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to insufficient examination and potential need for additional evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, finding that his condition did not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent since May 24, 2004.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left femur chondrosarcoma is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a new examination. The issue of whether he is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been referred back to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a nasal fracture, and thus grants service connection for this condition.