Sleep apnea decisions — 2014

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine condition is manifested by constant pain, limitation of motion, tenderness, muscle spasms, and separately service-connected bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy symptoms. The criteria for a disability rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain have not been met.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection of a low back disability, and the Board has dismissed the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for PTSD and a sleep disorder, effective from the date of the withdrawal request.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is found to be service-connected as secondary to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss or loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether his pre-existing condition worsened during military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing at his local RO. The issues of entitlement to a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression, and entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea are pending.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and spastic dysphonia were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis. The issue of service connection for residuals of pneumonia and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis remains on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, anxiety disorder, status-post PFPS of the left knee, GERD with irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, and psoriatic arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, an addendum opinion from the examiner who provided the June 2014 VA addendum opinion, and further development regarding in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea disorder is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for a sleeping disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions were found to be service-connected and not warranting an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his low back disability.

The Veteran asserts that he experienced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea during service and seeks service connection for this condition. The Board has determined additional development is needed to substantiate his claim, including obtaining a VA examination and any relevant medical records.

The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea was initially identified during active service, and the Board has determined that this condition meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, and there is no evidence of a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD or sleep apnea in service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to inadequate opinion in the previous VA examination. The examiner needs to consider the Veteran's reported symptoms and head injury from service.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a bilateral foot disability or sleep apnea, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.