Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a subdermal mass in his upper left chest, sleep apnea on a secondary basis to service-connected sinusitis and/or hypertension, and foot disability. The decision concludes that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or any other compensable condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether it is related to service or preexisted service. The case is therefore being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need to secure additional evidence, including a complete copy of the hearing testimony and updated VA treatment records since May 2013.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD, porphyria, obstructive sleep apnea, teeth grinding and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are attributed to his in-service stressors, specifically his service in Vietnam. Service connection is granted for each condition.

The case is REMANDED for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after the additional evidence is received.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is rated at a 10% disability rating. During the pendency of the appeal, his condition worsened and he experienced pain throughout the range of motion testing, warranting an increase to a 20% disability rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during active service and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is attributable to service and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 20 percent since September 1, 2010. The current rating is appropriate given the symptoms and range of motion.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's sinusitis and sleep apnea are due to an event or incident of his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative joint disease, status post laminectomy, of the lumbosacral spine and rotator cuff tendonitis of the left shoulder remain at 20 percent.,No higher rating is warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or additional associated neurological abnormalities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is being remanded due to a need for further development, including medical examination and consideration of whether his service-connected disability alone serves as the basis for his TDIU rating and if he is permanently housebound.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected rhinitis disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his lower back condition. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been raised.

The Veteran seeks service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and lumbosacral strain are not service-connected, but his lumbosacral strain disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional consideration of certain evidence, including VA treatment records and a VA examination report. The issue remains whether he is entitled to service connection for sleep apnea, which may be related to his TMJ disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was granted. For the period prior to June 10, 2010, lumbosacral strain with degenerative disease with L4-L5 disc protrusion and radiculopathy was rated as 10 percent disabling; from June 10, 2010, it is rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment effective June 26, 2009. The Board has granted a TDIU rating for this period.