Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the June 5, 2008 rating decision denying service connection for sleep apnea was clearly and unmistakably erroneous. Service connection is now granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated septum, obstructive sleep apnea, and an obstructed left tear duct (lacrimal gland) based on the Veteran's credible account of in-service injuries and post-service symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as incurred in service, and the issue of TDIU is remanded for readjudication.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability, joint pain, headaches, and sleep apnea were not causally related to his military service or any other known clinical diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected chloracne is rated at a 10 percent rating since August 23, 2005. The Board finds that the criteria for a 10 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his PTSD has been granted. He is now entitled to the benefits sought.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease was caused by his service-connected degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether it is related to his military service. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the relationship between his TBI and sleep apnea with service. The right forearm scar evaluation will also be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding pain on examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The issues on appeal are related to his service-connected conditions and a new shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the lack of post-service clinical records and the need for additional examinations. The claims will be re-adjudicated after all requested information is provided.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine if the knee brace prescribed for his service-connected right knee disability results in wear and tear to his clothing, which would qualify him for an annual VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated assessment of his eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, given changes in his employment status and combined evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral spine joint disease with spondylolisthesis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional records.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred at Providence Centralia Hospital is being remanded due to the lack of relevant records. The AOJ will obtain any missing treatment records and daily notes from November 19-20, 2012.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea, left knee patellofemoral syndrome status post medial meniscectomy, and sinusitis have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a medical examination of his nonservice-connected disabilities.