Sleep apnea decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected peptic ulcer disease and determine the etiology of his sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and whether it is related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to support a finding that his condition had its onset during service or is otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated during active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, service connection, and benefits related to various conditions. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development of Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and headaches. Specifically, VA treatment records need to be obtained and a VA examination should be conducted.

The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for sleep apnea was reopened.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea syndrome was not manifest in service, is unrelated to service, and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome is denied.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent since January 25, 2011.,Effective January 25, 2011, the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for left lower extremity mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Effective April 27, 2012, he is entitled to a 10 percent rating for right lower extremity mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and verifying stressors. The issues of service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and pulmonary embolism with blood clots in the legs are all part of this appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is aggravated by his service-connected chondromalacia patella of both knees.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be as likely as not attributable to his active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bronchitis.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his disabilities.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination. The issues of service connection for lung disorder (including COPD) and sleep apnea are on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acid reflux, sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with alcohol abuse and dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claim.