Sleep apnea decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it related to the Veteran's military service. The PTSD claim was denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for acid reflux and sleep apnea have been withdrawn. The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in his right ear, but he has left ear hearing loss for VA purposes. However, as this condition is not shown within one year following discharge from service, it cannot be presumed to have been incurred therein. Tinnitus was also not shown during service or within the first post-service year and thus cannot be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for an anaphylactic bee sting allergy and TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of the December 2015 medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during service and is related to his military service, granting service connection.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoid disability, which includes impairment of rectal sphincter control, causes him to be unable to work since March 14, 2012. The evidence received since the last final denial relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate his claims for service connection for gout and sleep apnea. Gout is considered incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including adjudicating the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and considering both claims together as they are inextricably intertwined. The Veteran's appeal of sleep apnea will be deferred until the diabetes mellitus claim is resolved.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The evidence did not meet the criteria to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is pending and will be addressed further.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not shown in service or for several years thereafter, and the most probative evidence indicates it is not related to his service-connected COPD.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which he contends is related to his anxiety disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided on the merits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the cause of the Veteran's death and whether his service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to it. The appellant must provide any outstanding private treatment records, including those from North Shore University Hospital at Southside and a nursing home where the Veteran received care after being discharged from the hospital.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable from July 1, 2008, and the Board granted entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis effective that date.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back disability and a temporary total rating following back surgery. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea and TBI. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, neck disorder, tinnitus, left shoulder disorder, hypertension, low back disorder, and erectile dysfunction are all found to be related to his military service. Service connection is also granted for the extension of a temporary total evaluation due to right shoulder surgery.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, eye disorder (blurred vision), and liver disorder were denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD was established as December 13, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the lack of access to his private medical records from Mid Carolina Cardiology. He was seeking payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred on July 28 and August 2, 2011.