Sleep apnea decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of missing service treatment records.

The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability, effective from May 10, 2011. The appellant's psychotic disorder is rated at 70 percent since February 9, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's condition is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim for sleep apnea remains pending as it was not fully adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a new VA examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The effective date for TDIU remains in dispute.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for sleep apnea and asthma was denied, as the evidence did not show that his condition required chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied, as he is able to engage in substantially gainful sedentary employment despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not considered a disability for VA purposes.,There is no evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease related to hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing opinions regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his sleep apnea and nocturnal enuresis.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for OSA was increased from 30 percent to 50 percent effective July 19, 2011. His diabetes mellitus remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and right axilla phlebitis are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities during the period of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are still pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service or service-connected PTSD, and whether it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a lumbosacral spondylosis or cervical spondylosis disability that is etiologically related to his military service. The evidence shows no indication of such conditions during service and the VA examiner's opinions do not support a finding that these conditions are due to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is granted. The appeals for the other issues are dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of his sleep apnea and thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep apnea and PTSD.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, and the Board does not have further jurisdiction to consider them.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected maxillary sinusitis.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease are granted service connection, with a 100% rating for his cardiovascular disease effective August 25, 2008. The earlier effective date claim is granted as of August 25, 2008. The erectile dysfunction claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 10, 2013. His lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating.