Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 20 percent since January 7, 2012. The Board found that the current rating criteria are appropriate in evaluating his disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, but the Veteran does not have posttraumatic stress disorder related to an in-service stressor. The claims are denied as a result.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including cholecystectomy residuals, GERD, depression, knee disabilities, respiratory disorder, allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, skin disability, traumatic brain injury residuals other than headaches, headaches, right eye trauma residuals, dry eye syndrome, and erectile dysfunction are all granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, dry eye syndrome, and erectile dysfunction were found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and/or asthma with COPD. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a VA TBI examination and determine if he has any disability manifested by memory loss, including whether it is related to his military service or service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims of service connection for dry eyes and higher evaluations for left ear/bilateral hearing loss are remanded for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have sleep apnea during service or for many years thereafter, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his service treatment records and personnel records. A VA examination is also required for the claimed conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical degenerative changes are at least as likely as not related to his military service, warranting service connection. The remaining claims for bilateral knee and shoulder conditions, back condition, and sleep apnea require additional development.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right and left knee disabilities, and right and left foot disabilities. The new evidence received includes VA clinical records indicating a current diagnosis of sleep apnea and bilateral knee arthritis, but does not establish that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service or service-connected sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, which includes chronic lumbosacral strain and multilevel degenerative disc disease, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent due to lack of incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further medical evaluation. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder are pending.

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

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional service personnel records and VA medical opinions regarding his claims for asthma, cold urticaria, pharyngitis, eating disorder, depression, and sleep apnea.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for the residuals of a laceration of the right third finger is held in abeyance pending adjudication of his claim of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the right hand. The issues are inextricably intertwined.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, cold urticaria (claimed as a skin condition), pharyngitis, and depression are remanded to obtain VA medical opinions regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an eating disorder is remanded to obtain VA medical opinions regarding its etiology. The issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for an eating disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities are related to his active duty service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted and is currently rated at 70 percent.,Obstructive sleep apnea was also found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and further examination is required. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated for their impact on his need for aid and attendance or housebound status.