Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a low back disorder, sleep apnea, and right ankle disorder. However, it has denied these claims as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for various conditions due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there was no probative medical evidence showing the condition began during service or that it was caused by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a hearing request and failure to report.

The Veteran is granted a clothing allowance for 2014 due to the use of a back brace, but the issue of a right knee brace remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to service, but more information is needed from a medical professional.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to a service-connected nasal septal deformity, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II with diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The case is remanded to obtain inpatient treatment records from Naval Hospital Orlando during the Veteran's active duty.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was diagnosed shortly after service separation and is believed to have existed during service. The Board found that the Veteran's in-service symptoms, such as snoring and fatigue, are consistent with his current diagnosis of sleep apnea.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and major depression associated with lumbosacral strain with right sacroiliac joint dysfunction and degenerative arthritis, status postoperative are granted. The Veteran's left hip condition and right hip joint condition are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50 percent rating from September 25, 2013 to prior to July 1, 2015. The claims for right shoulder strain, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain are reopened.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, sleep apnea, and folliculitis due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease. The issue of service connection for pain in the jaw bone, including as due to bruxism, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is granted, and the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition and a dental disability (claimed as mouth injury). Service connection was granted for diabetes, with the eye condition being considered secondary to diabetes.,Service connection was established for diabetes based on evidence showing exposure to diesel engine exhaust and obesity during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is denied for a bilateral knee disability, hypertension, insomnia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, and his initial disability rating for chronic anterior inferior labrum tear with left shoulder instability prior to March 6, 2012 was granted at a 20% level.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches are remanded as new evidence has been submitted.