Sleep apnea decisions — 2016

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and residuals of a left ring finger nerve injury as there was no evidence of an in-service event, injury, or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbosacral strain and post herpetic neuralgia has been dismissed as he is satisfied with the current evaluations assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for insomnia (to include sleep apnea) and found that the Veteran's tension headaches warrant a rating of 30 percent. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for right knee strain is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an evaluation of 10 percent or higher for his hypertension. For the other claims, the evidence does not support a finding that any of the claimed conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus disability had its onset during service and is therefore granted. The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding that it was caused by or permanently worsened by his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the evidence provided.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is not related to service, including as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or symptoms.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to asbestos or explosive remnant exposure during service.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and found no evidence of a direct relationship between the condition and service or any service-connected disability. The mental disorder claim was also denied as there is no occupational and social impairment warranting an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disorder, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, left ankle sprain, and right ankle sprain. The Veteran's current diagnoses of chronic sinusitis, ulcerative colitis, mechanical low back pain and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been assigned initial ratings.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depression associated with chronic lumbosacral strain was granted, and he is now receiving a 70 percent rating effective from August 3, 2009.

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

The Veteran does not have obstructive sleep apnea due to his service. His claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not etiologically related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a present hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including cataracts, prostate cancer, impotence, stroke residuals, sinusitis, bladder tumor, and sleep apnea, are not service-connected as they were first manifested many years after service without any credible evidence of a connection to service.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied, while his anxiety disorder NOS claim resulted in a mixed decision with some issues granted and others not. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of multiple metatarsal fractures of the right foot have been rated at 30 percent since May 7, 2009. The Board finds that his disability is consistent with a severe condition resulting in significant interference with daily activities and pain on movement.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as the need to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.