Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claim for service connection for sleep apnea can be decided. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for a more thorough examination and opinion regarding her sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and reopened the claims for cervical strain and low back pain. The increased rating and TDIU claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and heart disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, including premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)/arrhythmia and sleep apnea. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development and to schedule the necessary VA examinations. The issues include claims for increased ratings for PTSD, head trauma/TBI, IBS/GERD, and service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and attempting to verify stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection remain on hold until further notice.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for retinitis pigmentosa. The Veteran's condition was incurred during active service, warranting a grant of service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence submitted since the last final denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his currently diagnosed sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his PTSD. The claim for hypertension remains pending but not decided in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The claim will be returned to the Board after the hearing is held.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction cannot be granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's rosacea has been granted service connection, and he is currently rated at 10 percent for this condition. The issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision. The issue of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or household status is being remanded due to outstanding records.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's thyroid disorder is related to his first period of service or aggravated by his second period of service. The claim for sleep apnea must also be remanded as it may be inextricably intertwined with the thyroid disorder claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a sleep disorder due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea and its secondary effects on other conditions. The Board has determined that a video conference hearing is necessary due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has been gainfully employed throughout the appeal period.