Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder and asthma, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability or causation due to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The effective date for the award of compensation for left lower extremity radiculopathy was not granted prior to August 28, 2014.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and found that new and material evidence had been submitted. The issue is now on remand for further development, including obtaining a detailed listing of all dates of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA from August 1993 to April 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher evaluations for his back and knee disabilities, nor did it establish a link between his hepatitis C and service.

The Board found insufficient evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his military service, concluding that it is less likely than not related.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficiently incapacitating to result in unemployability, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for colorectal cancer and sleep apnea. The Veteran's colorectal cancer may or may not be related to asbestos exposure, but is otherwise unrelated to service. Sleep apnea remains an issue that needs further clarification.

Service connection for left trigger finger and right trigger finger has been granted with effective dates of October 26, 2006 and August 6, 2007 respectively. Service connection for pes planus was reopened and granted with an effective date of October 26, 2006. Service connection for sleep apnea and left tibial tendon dysfunction has been granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examination and treatment records, as well as for a new evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is reasonably shown to have had its inception in service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his outstanding VA treatment records, including those from the Denver VAMC where he receives treatment for his sleep apnea. The case will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran has a current diagnosis of combined obstructive and central sleep apnea, and the evidence is in relative equipoise on whether this condition is related to service. The Board finds that while there are no records of complaints or treatment for sleep apnea during active duty, the Veteran reported frequent trouble sleeping at his separation examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be remanded to allow for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction for additional development regarding his lumbosacral disability claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination. The issues of service connection for low back disorders and bilateral feet conditions are being addressed.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records and an addendum opinion from the March 2014 VA examiner. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, claimed as a sleep condition secondary to PTSD and/or undiagnosed illness, is now remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea and increased ratings for PTSD and CAD are denied. The claim for TDIU is pending as additional development is required.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for additional information from the Veteran regarding his National Guard service. The claims will be reconsidered based on the available evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset in service and is related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.