Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to higher ratings for his left and right knee strains, as well as his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate examination records.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, and idiopathic thrombocarpnia purpura as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and right knee strain with hamstring muscle tear residuals are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is required because additional medical examination findings are needed regarding the severity of the Veteran's back condition.

The Veteran's vertigo is service connected, but the claim for a separate disability of dizziness or Meniere’s disease was denied as it overlapped with his existing peripheral vestibular disorder.,There is no evidence of a sleep disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's nightmares are associated with his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and readjudicating his claims for increased ratings. The issues include service connection for OSA and initial rating increases for major depressive disorder and insomnia.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and/or esophageal ulcer.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate disability and numbness of the fingers as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. However, his claim of service connection for depression due to a service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted.

The Board has decided that new evidence received after the August 2016 Supplemental Statement of the Case should be reviewed by the AOJ. The Veteran's appeal for service connection and TDIU is being remanded to allow this review.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorder) are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea with restless leg syndrome is service connected as it began during his active duty service and continues to persist.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for fibromyalgia has been denied as the first diagnosis was in August 2013.,The Veteran’s claims for service connection related to Gulf War exposure have been remanded and a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and ratings for his conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinusitis, adjustment disorder, and hypertension are service-connected. However, further development is needed for his sleep apnea claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea. The underlying claim is also granted, with evidence showing a link between the Veteran’s military service and current obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment for the period beginning April 17, 2010 to September 7, 2011. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and gastrointestinal condition secondary to PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder). The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed due to his death.