Sleep apnea decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected hypertension, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for her service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and possibly conduct further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, depression (also claimed as anxiety and sleeplessness), hypertension, headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and tachycardia are all due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The service connection is granted.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability evaluation greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for low back, knee, hip, and shoulder disorders, finding no clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting conditions and insufficient medical nexus to link current disabilities to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the reopening of service connection claims for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, an upper respiratory condition (to include sleep apnea), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lung disorders, including COPD and carcinoid tumor, are not related to his service or asbestos exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were caused by his active duty.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and granted a 20% rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, but did not find that either condition was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and bilateral hip disability, diagnosed as left hip arthralgia, right hip arthropathy, and bilateral hip strain, are found to be related to service. The upper respiratory infection is not currently diagnosed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be related to his service-connected broken nose, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, but granted TDIU. The current rating of 20% for lumbosacral strain is maintained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depression, sleep apnea, knee disabilities, and osteoarthritis, were denied. The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the claimed conditions and active duty or National Guard service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, hepatitis C, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including verifying his duty status and obtaining private medical records. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current OSA and skin disease are not service connected, but granted service connection for his skin disease. The issue of service connection for impotence is being remanded due to inadequate examination report.