Sleep apnea decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The Veteran's deviated nasal septum was found to be a separate issue.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, lower extremity neuropathy, sleep apnea, and seizures were denied as the evidence did not establish service connection based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with sciatica was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a rating higher than 20 percent for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and compensable ratings for rhinitis prior to February 23, 2013 and since that date. The Board found no evidence of in-service onset or relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining STRs and private medical records, clarifying National Guard service dates, and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine arthritis and sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing via videoconference at a local VA office.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral spine disability was granted, with a 40% evaluation effective August 1, 2013. Separate 10% evaluations were assigned for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the submission of new medical records and a need for an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for various conditions, including PTSD, high triglycerides and cholesterol, chronic obesity, poor blood circulation, dry mouth, Gulf War Syndrome, polyps, gastrointestinal disorder, eye disability, respiratory disorder, heart disease, skin cancer, varicose veins, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury. The reasons were provided based on the lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing and consolidating evidence into claims files.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim for entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder. The remaining claims have been adjudicated and are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for higher ratings for migraine headaches, vertigo, and acne rosacea prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence and changed theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess her lumbosacral spine disability, as well as obtaining any relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be sufficient to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.