Sleep apnea decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO increased his back disability rating to 20 percent effective October 3, 2011. The Veteran was not granted any other benefits.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including residuals of a lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, was not found to warrant a higher rating prior to October 30, 2013. From that date onward, the disability did not meet criteria for a higher than 20% rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the nature and likely etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it was aggravated by or caused by service-connected disabilities. Additionally, his sleep apnea will be evaluated for its onset in service or relation to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for obstructive sleep apnea, tinnitus, suppurative otitis media, bilateral hearing loss, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 for a back condition, leg condition, coccyx and head injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened and granted. His acquired psychiatric disability, PTSD, is currently rated at 50%.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to missing treatment records and VA medical records. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Veteran is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities, with a current combined disability rating of 80 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the denial of service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral eye disorder.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals on both issues before the Board, and as a result, the cases are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, and for a VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examiner found that the current sleep apnea was not caused by PTSD, but did not address whether it was aggravated by PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during active duty and is therefore service connected.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims was incurred during his active duty in the Gulf War. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if his current sleep disorder had its onset in service or is otherwise related to his Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence or credible lay statements supporting a current diagnosis of left ankle disability, gastrointestinal disability (gastroenteritis), hypertension, sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, the Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his pleural plaques associated with asbestos exposure with emphysema, as well as his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed sleep disorders and ear disability.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for toenail fungus or sleep apnea as directly related to the Veteran's active service, including herbicide exposure. The VA examiner provided negative opinions that these conditions were not caused by or aggravated by his diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations, including a VA spine examination. The Veteran also needs to provide updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for bulimia nervosa was denied. The appeal of the TDIU issue is dismissed as it has been fully granted.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder and sleep apnea were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to asbestos and lead paint. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.