Sleep apnea decisions — 2014

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent since June 7, 2011. The appeal was granted and the effective date for this rating is set as of that date.

The Veteran's asthma, bronchitis, and chest injury were not service-connected as his conditions did not manifest during active duty or are otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board denied service connection for rosacea, a chronic skin disorder behind the right ear, and left knee disability. The Veteran's claim for new and material evidence to reopen his left knee disability was granted.,Service connection for rosacea was not established as it did not have its onset in or is otherwise attributable to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for proper notice of the bases for prior denials and new and material evidence requirements. Additionally, an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder, including tinea versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea, was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain medical records regarding surgical procedures performed on his cervical and lumbar spine.

The Board found that the Veteran did not sustain a disease, injury, or event related to sleep apnea in service and that his current sleep apnea is not related to service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as he does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining a VA opinion regarding the relationship between his neurological disability and service-connected PTSD.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of all issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and sleep apnea, including consideration of exposure to Agent Orange during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sleep apnea is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the June 2009 VA examination report is inadequate to make an informed decision on this claim and has therefore ordered a new examination. The Veteran's current sleep apnea syndrome will be reviewed for its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for Gulf War Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or connection to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her total vaginal hysterectomy and multiple spine conditions, are found to be disabling enough to prevent her from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which he claims first manifested during his second period of service. The Board finds that a remand is needed to obtain an examination and determine the etiology of the condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions and medical records, as well as requesting Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran is also scheduled to undergo a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service, including as due to asbestos exposure. The Veteran currently has a diagnosis of sleep apnea and had complaints of shortness of breath in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and determine if her service-connected disabilities preclude her from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment. The case will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus problems, GERD, PTSD, and sleep apnea. Service connection is granted for all conditions.