Sleep apnea decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right wrist disability related to service or any preexisting condition. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded as it was not fully addressed in the March 2015 decision.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from April 1, 2009. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left second toe stress fracture was denied as there is no current disability.,Service connection for migraine headaches was granted, but the rating assigned (10%) does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on frequency or severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, severe lumbosacral spondylosis, and migraine headaches have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance prior to October 29, 2010. The Board finds that she meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The service connection issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing and the issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) on several service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and is remanding the remaining issues including sleep apnea, low back disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD and depression) for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals from a right arm fracture, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), left knee disorder, right hip disorder, headache disorder, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted. The decision is based on new evidence that supports reopening of these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with arthritis is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The dental disability claim for compensation purposes was denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative joint disease have been manifested by a range of motion without pain, with forward flexion to 75 degrees, extension to 20 degrees, right lateral flexion to 20 degrees, left lateral flexion to 25 degrees, and right and left lateral rotation to 30 degrees. There is no evidence of muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. The Veteran's disability picture is adequately described by the current 10 percent rating assigned.

The Board finds that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound as a result of his service-connected disabilities, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid & attendance/housebound status.

The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension is productive of diastolic blood pressure predominantly 100 or more, and currently requires continuous medication for control. The claim for a compensable evaluation for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was also denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bronchial asthma with sleep apnea was denied in January 2001. The claim was reopened and granted effective January 25, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was pending until the March 2012 Board decision granting service connection. The effective date of this grant is set to January 16, 1996.