Sleep apnea decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo/inner ear disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, hypertension, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea is denied as there is no post-service diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected sinusitis, rhinitis, and a deviated nasal septum. As such, the claim for secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for service connection, and thus the claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's protein deficiency syndrome has been denied. The effective dates for service connection of left knee meniscus tear and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease have also been denied as they are not earlier than the date claims were filed.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active service, and the Board has granted direct service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service or aggravated by his service-connected mood disorder, and therefore denied the claim.

The Veteran does not have a disorder of the lumbar spine, joint pain to include bilateral shoulders, or sleep apnea that was caused by his service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining new medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of her lumbosacral strain and because the issue of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to bring his combined rating to 80 percent, with at least one disability rated 40 percent or higher. These service-connected disabilities preclude the Veteran from maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and left shoulder disability were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The remaining issues, including service connection for various conditions, are currently in a pending status.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion on the etiology of all eye disabilities present during the period of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected asthma, evaluated in conjunction with obstructive sleep apnea, was denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a separate evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6602.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to the Veteran's active service and is not secondary to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his obstructive sleep apnea, which may be related to service or other factors. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, to include as a result of presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The Board finds that additional development is necessary due to the nature of his claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing, and the appeal is not ready for appellate review.