Sleep apnea decisions — 2017

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and a failure to provide adequate reasons and bases for the denials.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to an effective date prior to December 10, 2014 for service connection for right radial nerve neuropathy was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is service connected as it is at least as likely as not related to his active military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a neck disability, but denied it as new and material evidence was not received. The Veteran's current diagnoses of asbestosis/pleural plaques are related to his in-service asbestos exposure.,Service connection is granted for asbestosis with pleural plaques due to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with restrictive lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea, both of which are found to be related to his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis. However, the Veteran's COPD is not currently diagnosed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not have its onset during service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension. Therefore, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Board denied service connection for back disability, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea. The evidence submitted since the August 2014 decision was found to be either cumulative or redundant of previous evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for lumbosacral strain is granted as his current back disability was incurred during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran experienced a stressor related to his military service and developed PTSD as a result.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in the process of being reopened for his claim of service connection for sleep apnea. His cervical spine disability rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational impairment but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depression (PTSD), has been granted. The effective date of the grant is not specified.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, pneumonia, and vitreous floaters of both eyes were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is caused by or the result of his service-connected lumbosacral strain with residuals, disk herniation.

The Board denied service connection for deviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service. The Board also found that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea to service.

The Veteran's low back, bilateral hip and left knee disabilities are not service connected as they did not manifest in service or within one year of separation. The VA examiners found no evidence that the current conditions were caused by his service-connected right knee disability.,The Veteran's right knee DJD is currently rated at 40 percent based on limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, hiatal hernia, residuals of a TBI, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to his military service.