Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective January 9, 2012. The Board finds that the reduction was proper as there is evidence of actual improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and degenerative joint and disc disease, including associated radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a new VA examination to address whether his sleep apnea is related to service, including during his active duty from September 2007 to September 2008. The examiner should also provide opinions on whether the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by service and if any prescribed medication caused or aggravated his current disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to missing records and incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sleep disorder, insomnia, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, and residuals of fractured nose are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of increased rating for cephalgia and reopening service connection for a lumbosacral disorder are no longer before the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and hypertension are related to his service-connected sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, and have granted the claims for these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for dysthymic disorder and sacroiliitis, as well as her service connection claims for fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, and insomnia. The claim for TDIU was also addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, and the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus and hypertension are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, right shoulder, and left shoulder disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, is likely related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's skin rash and sleep apnea are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arrhythmic heart rate, diabetic retinopathy, sleep apnea, and right heel spur. The claim for dental disability (tooth #8) was granted as a matter of law due to trauma during service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, spinal stenosis at L4-L5 and L5-S1, spurring at L3, and narrowing L4-L5 disc space has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of records from SSA and VA treatment facilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of his service periods and obtaining VA treatment records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability, sleep apnea, and left ankle disability are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference hearing due to an undeliverable notice of his requested hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, a dental condition, a kidney disability, a right arm disability, and a low back disability. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus grants the claim for service connection.