Sleep apnea decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and lumbar spine degenerative disc disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and GERD have been granted, with the exception of his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Board also found that new evidence had been received to reopen his claim for sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for bilateral hand disorder, CTS, sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea), skin disorder, TMJ, conjunctivitis, and bilateral foot disorder. However, these claims are reopened due to the submission of additional evidence related to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of sleep apnea has been dismissed as he informed the Board that he is satisfied with his current rating and no longer wishes to pursue the claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be decided. This includes obtaining outstanding VA treatment records, requesting private medical records, and arranging for a mental health examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for Legg Perthes disease and a lumbosacral disability, secondary to Legg Perthes. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding their onset in service or causation by his service-connected asthma/allergies disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder, including squamous cell carcinoma, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, actinic keratosis, lichenoid keratosis, and rosacea, is a result of his in-service exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. As such, service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of his obstructive sleep apnea. The narcolepsy claim is also inextricably intertwined with the obstructive sleep apnea claim.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which he claims is related to his service-connected residuals of a fractured nose. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent prior to February 22, 2011, and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his back disability has been withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, which is secondary to his service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis, has been remanded due to the need for an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea has been granted as secondary to medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities.,The claim for reopening a respiratory disorder (originally claimed as allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infections and sinusitis) has been granted due to the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination. The case will be reviewed again with a new examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is found to be service-connected, with the Board granting service connection based on evidence showing that his current condition likely stems from changes noted during his period of active service. The claim for sleep apnea remains pending as a new VA examination and opinion are required.