Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to make a determination on whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and headaches are related to his military service, particularly in terms of secondary service connection. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected deviated nasal septum. The radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve remains at a 20% rating, but the Veteran's deviated nasal septum is restored to a 40% rating effective July 1, 2017.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, while his lower quadrant abdominal strain does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for an increased rating for mitral valve prolapse. The issues of service connection for vasovagal syndrome, narcolepsy (claimed as hypersomnia and insomnia), and upper airway resistance syndrome/sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was granted service connection and found to have begun in service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety disorder, was also granted.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as it may be related to his hypertension. The remand requires a new VA examination and opinion on the etiology of the Veteran’s obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and a need for a more complete expert opinion regarding the Veteran's employability considering his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea and pancreatic cancer for further development. The appeal involving sleep apnea is pending due to a substitution application, while the pancreatic cancer appeal was vacated by the Court.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with radiculopathy has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 15, 1994.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and service.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not begin during or as a result of his military service and there is no causal relationship between his OSA and any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded two issues: a compensable rating for the right thumb disability and a rating in excess of 20 percent for traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine. The case is sent back to the RO for initial review.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his service-connected deviated nasal septum and chronic rhinitis with sinus congestion have aggravated his OSA.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. However, the rating for PTSD remains remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for a new one. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination that complies with the requirements of Correia v. McDonald, 25 Vet. App. 158 (2016).

The Board has remanded both the service connection claim for a lumbar spine disorder and the TDIU claim due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The claims will be reconsidered with an addendum opinion from a clinician addressing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Addison's disease, underactive thyroid disease, low testosterone, sleep apnea, esophageal cancer, and osteoporosis due to a procedural issue regarding substitution.

The Veteran's service connection claim for insomnia is granted on both a direct and secondary basis. His current OSA diagnosis, however, is denied as it did not begin during his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's hypertension is not service connected, while his sleep apnea remains under review.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran's current mental health conditions had their onset during his active military service, with the sleep apnea being aggravated by his major depressive disorder.