Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in service due to a lack of evidence showing it during or shortly after his military service. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and OSA is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and tinea pedis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the denial of service connection for sleep apnea, left shoulder disability, right hand and finger numbness, and left hand and finger numbness. The appeals were also dismissed for increased ratings for PTSD, TBI, headache, right shoulder, right shoulder scar, and hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The issues include sleep apnea, respiratory/pulmonary disorders, and residuals of a tonsillectomy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left knee, lumbosacral spine, left shoulder, peripheral artery disease, and mental disorder conditions are not service-connected as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and reopening of his claim for bilateral knee disorder are being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of outstanding treatment records. The issues include rating his spine disabilities and determining if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, hypertension, headaches, and sleep apnea. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease was evaluated at 20 percent prior to February 10, 2012. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for chronic fatigue syndrome with fibromyalgia is granted, but his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran is seeking recognition of his son, D.W.M., as the 'helpless child' due to multiple health conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully assess this claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is shown to be aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral ankle disorder are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and granted it. The other claims are pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during active duty service and granted service connection for this condition. The other issues regarding hypertension and a psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities, and right and left foot bunions have been withdrawn. The Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder is related to his service, including his service-connected left total knee replacement and right total knee replacement. As such, service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.