Sleep apnea decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an increased rating for sleep apnea, and the issues of reopening a claim for service connection for a heart condition, service connection for hypertensive retinopathy as secondary to hypertension, and entitlement to TDIU were also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, including whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his period of active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his active duty service and denied the claim. The issue of insomnia remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea and upper airways resistance syndrome are related to his military service, but only partially granted these claims as they were not shown to be directly related. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including systemic degenerative joint disease and a back disability, are not related to service. The evidence does not show an in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical strain with traumatic arthritis is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable rating criteria. The remaining conditions have either not been granted or are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and anemia claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbosacral disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus in the right ear are not related to service. The Board also determined that spina bifida is a congenital defect and therefore not service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, but the Veteran's claim for a back disability remains pending. The decision on the back disability will be remanded to obtain an adequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of whether it is related to service-connected PTSD or hypertension.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to service, including his combat experiences and exposure to herbicides. The Board finds that the current diagnosis of central sleep apnea does not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration and failure to appear for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and right arm/leg disabilities, as well as to review his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia. The Veteran is also entitled to a 50% disability rating for his service-connected panic disorder.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires an addendum to address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, or psychiatric disability. The case is therefore being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted. The issues of lumbosacral strain, right and left hip sprain, right and left knee arthritis, and bilateral pes planus are dismissed.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have its onset during service and is granted as incurred in service. The claim of service connection for traumatic brain injury is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates for service-connected diabetes mellitus, and an increased initial disability rating for diabetic nephropathy were withdrawn in July 2014. The claims are therefore dismissed.