Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for several conditions and issues, including increased ratings for TBI and migraine headaches, service connection for sleep apnea, PTSD, a left knee condition, hearing loss, cataracts, diabetes (secondary to service-connected disability), an increased rating for other specified depressive disorder, and entitlement to individual unemployability prior to February 8, 2012. The appeals are dismissed.

The appeal for service connection for emphysema is dismissed.,Service connection for a disability of the bilateral legs is denied.,Entitlement to service connection for a lumbosacral strain (claimed as back condition) and depression, secondary to a low back condition are remanded.,Entitlement to service connection for a disability of the bilateral feet, secondary to a low back condition is remanded.,Entitlement to service connection for a thoracic aortic aneurysm is remanded.

Service connection for lumbar spondylosis is granted. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one is needed to determine the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's hypertension was not rated higher than 10 percent, and his sleep apnea claim is remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea began during his active duty service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD, but more evidence is needed to determine if this relationship exists.

The Veteran's appeal for purchasing a bed and chair under the Chapter 31 benefits was denied because the items were not deemed necessary to maintain independence in daily living.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for PAD, but denied service connection for sleep apnea and COPD. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's COPD is secondary to his service-connected CAD.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders, bilateral knee disorders, sleep apnea, and tinnitus as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if his condition was caused by or aggravated by his already-service connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of sleep apnea due to insufficient information and records provided.

The Board has denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features and depressed mood, respiratory disorders, sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances. The issues are remanded due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for gout, right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, and GERD as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings or service connection, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for any of the issues presented.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was partially granted, with a 60 percent rating for status post internal sphincterectomy and anal fissure with residual incontinence. The appeals for migraine headaches and major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for new examinations.