Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea is causally related to his service-connected PTSD, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction disability is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective as of the date of this decision. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for such a rating based on significant testicular atrophy and loss of erectile power.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and an internal medicine specialist opinion regarding whether his combined disability picture prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and primary insomnia and nightmare disorder was granted. However, the initial compensable disability evaluation for these conditions has been denied from April 26, 2010 to August 23, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease and reopened the claim for OSA secondary to PTSD. The Veteran was exposed to burn pits in Balad, Iraq during his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain and herniation of the nucleus pulposus, but the underlying issue of whether these conditions are related to service remains pending. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be related to his military service. The claim for chronic fatigue syndrome, as a qualifying chronic disability resulting from Persian Gulf War service, is denied due to lack of diagnosis and the finding that it is secondary to other disabilities. Service connection was granted for sleep apnea.

The Board granted higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that bilateral elbow disability is related to service-connected diabetes and granting a TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back disabilities, including lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome with bilateral spinal nerve impairment to the lower extremities and penis, are related to his inservice injuries. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was granted service connection, and his left ankle swelling was granted a 40% rating effective January 1, 2007. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right leg disability, left hand disability, and sleep apnea have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection for migraine headaches, major depressive disorder, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with musculoskeletal strain of the lumbosacral spine, and musculoskeletal strain of the cervical spine with degenerative changes are still pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected hearing loss disability, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims of service connection for vertigo and sleep apnea are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including service connection for osteoporosis secondary to lumbosacral strain, an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, and a higher rating for seizure disorder.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD with a 30 percent rating effective January 9, 2008.,Service connection was also established for obstructive sleep apnea and the Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an SSOC.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% rating for his low back disability and remanded other issues including service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for his disabilities, and TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a wart on the right thumb and obstructive sleep apnea, finding no current disability upon which to predicate a grant of service connection. The Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea was based on secondary service connection due to GERD.