Sleep apnea decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues related to service connection, with some claims reopened due to new evidence. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his herniated disc, L4-5, with degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a sleep disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Veteran's recurrent headaches were found to be aggravated by service, while his OSA was not shown to be related to service or the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral strain with DDD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there were no incapacitating episodes and the range of motion met the criteria for a 10% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5237.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, gastrointestinal problems, and acquired psychiatric disabilities are granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which he contends began during his military service. The VA has not provided sufficient evidence to make a decision on the claim and thus requires further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability and chronic rhinitis, as well as for any other necessary development.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during his active military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not etiologically related to active service or a service-connected disability, and the Board denies the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The claims for chronic neck disability and erectile dysfunction remain denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's death was due to respiratory failure with underlying causes of pulmonary hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. The VA is requested to provide an opinion on whether the service-connected chronic glomerulonephritis contributed substantially or materially to his death, if it combined to cause death, or aided in producing death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for retinitis pigmentosa was reopened and granted effective May 19, 1999.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and a VA examination. The current rating of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and any related radiculopathy. Service connection will also be considered for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for sleep apnea, which is now considered. The issue of whether this condition is related to his service-connected PTSD will be addressed in a future VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of his gastrointestinal disability were denied. The Board found that the residuals of duodenal ulcer with a history of gastritis, duodenitis, and hiatal hernia warranted a 10% evaluation.