Sleep apnea decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied. The initial evaluation of PTSD was granted at a 50% rating, effective from May 20, 2009. A subsequent increased evaluation to 70% was granted since November 17, 2011.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea, specifically whether it is related to service or aggravated by any of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional opinions regarding direct service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic lumbosacral strain, finding that his condition existed prior to service and did not increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea and nocturnal myoclonus are related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the RO improperly combined the ratings for the Veteran's service-connected narcolepsy and sleep apnea, and granted a combined rating of 50 percent effective October 25, 2007. The Veteran's initial evaluations for narcolepsy and sleep apnea were not met.

The Board found that the Veteran's injuries resulting in sleep apnea and a skin bump occurred after his active service, specifically in October 1945. As this period does not qualify as qualifying service for compensation purposes under VA regulations, the claims of service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further medical opinions regarding his lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder, which he contends is related to his right knee disability and an in-service injury. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current disorder of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disorder, and for obtaining all pertinent treatment records from the Las Vegas VAMC. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the potential impact on the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and sleep apnea are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected deviated septum and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on the etiology of the current sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is incurred in service, with resolution of doubt in favor of the claim.

The Veteran's HNP with lumbosacral strain does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his active duty experience. The back disorder, arthritis of multiple joints, hypertension, and OSA do not have a direct link to his military service.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not begin during service and is therefore not related to his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran's sleep apnea began during his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected recurrent sinusitis, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since December 2, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms have most nearly approximated flexion limited to 30 degrees or less during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability and associated radiculopathy are not rated higher than the current 10 percent evaluations.