Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a low back injury meet or approximate the criteria for a 60 percent disability rating due to incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD due to withdrawal. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea syndrome was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and inguinal hernia were found to have been incurred during his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis has been granted. The remaining issues are being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,For her claim of service connection for feminine problems, to include tubal ligation and unusual menstrual cycles, the Board finds that she has submitted sufficient evidence to reopen her claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining records related to court martial proceedings involving Kinsell and Bradford.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a skin disability or sleep disorder, and the evidence does not support an in-service incurrence related to these conditions. Therefore, service connection for both conditions cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbosacral syndrome with fusion for herniated lumbar disc is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back injury, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting SSA disability benefits records. The issues of service connection for hearing loss, brain injury, and sleep apnea will be addressed in a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and sleep apnea due to pending development, including issuance of a statement of the case in response to the timely notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is as likely as not related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship between his current sleep apnea and his service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for severe obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a bilateral knee disability due to new evidence. The claims are otherwise denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing and because a Statement of the Case is needed for the issue of bilateral leg condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to inadequate previous medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and/or diabetes mellitus aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and for additional examinations, as well as issuance of a statement of the case on service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service connection claims, including obtaining STRs and private treatment records.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability due to new and material evidence. However, it denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of sleep apnea as there is no medical evidence showing that his sleep apnea was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.