Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of left shoulder fracture, right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board granted service connection for fibromyalgia and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back disability was denied. The Board has determined that the current evidence does not support an initial rating in excess of 20 percent, but has found that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development, including a lack of an opinion from a foot specialist. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA examination by a podiatrist or appropriate specialist to assess the current nature and severity of his residuals of a fractured left great toe.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder is granted as service-connected, and he receives a separate 20% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. Other claims are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence suggesting a link between sleep apnea and service, but needs further medical opinion on its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 50% rating for migraine headaches from August 23, 2013 is granted. The claim for reopening of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to service-connected TBI with mood disorder, migraine headaches, or medications taken for service-connected conditions is also granted. The Veteran's low back condition claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for special home adaptation grant, financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or conveyance, and assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing have been denied due to the absence of a service-connected disability that meets the eligibility criteria.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. Service connection was not granted for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, or an acquired psychiatric disorder.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted as the evidence is in equipoise regarding its etiology.

Your appeals have been dismissed as you are satisfied with the recent decision granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's OSA is related to his service. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining a new VA medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, acid reflux, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to new evidence submitted, including a nexus opinion linking the condition to his deviated septum and chronic sinusitis. The claim for service connection for deviated septum has also been deferred.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, depressive disorder, and tension headaches are all found to be related to his military service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions. However, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbosacral strain, right sciatic nerve, and TDIU due to incomplete examination reports and issues related to flare-ups. A new VA examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia and sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional VA records, request private records if necessary, provide another opportunity for the Veteran to submit evidence, and arrange for addendum opinions from a VA physician.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO increased his rating for lumbosacral strain to 40 percent effective March 26, 2012. The Veteran was also granted separate ratings for bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and vertigo. His claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is remanded, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus and sleep apnea are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction (ED), and headaches as secondary to PTSD. The TDIU claim is also remanded.