Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The claim of service connection for high blood pressure has been reopened and granted. The claims for bilateral foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral elbow disability, obstructive sleep apnea, left varicocele (claimed as testicle growth), and prostate disability have all been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II.,Obstructive sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not support a connection with service.,Hypertension is denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no continuity of symptomatology.,High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) is considered a laboratory finding and not a current disability for VA purposes.,A stomach condition other than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diverticulitis and diverticulosis is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

This decision grants service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU, but denies an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70%.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for PTSD due to his ability to maintain social relationships with family and fellow veterans despite his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as it found insufficient evidence to establish that his service-connected hypothyroidism caused or aggravated his OSA.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating for psoriasis, tinea pedis and tinea corporis is remanded. The claims for service connection for cervical strain, orbital tumor, sleep apnea, varicocele, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's conditions are service-connected.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and dismissed claims for sleep apnea, hypertension. The Veteran's appeals of other issues have been withdrawn.

The Board has directed that the Veteran be provided with a VA medical opinion regarding whether his obstructive sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The remand requires consideration of articles submitted in support of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and remanded the issue of service connection for Melanoma of the Right Ear.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, right shoulder and lumbar spine conditions, have rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since January 1, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including right wrist disorder, right wrist cyst, left elbow disorder, right elbow disorder, low back disorder, and sleep apnea. The decision is based on the absence of evidence showing a current disability or any link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted service connection with an effective date of May 27, 2014. Service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service or a service-connected disability, and thus remands the case for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and the need for further examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnosis to military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service. A VA examination is needed to clarify this issue.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded due to incomplete records.