Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability was denied. The claims period is marked by increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and separate ratings for neurological impairment in both lower extremities, but denial on other issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee condition and sleep disorder, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The issues of increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinea pedis are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active military service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his military service and his current condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected bronchial asthma and COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective February 17, 2011. The Board also granted service connection for Sleep Apnea as secondary to his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, other than headaches.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, as well as a new VA examination is required for his bilateral hand DJD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and arthritis of the lumbosacral spine did not have its onset during or as a result of his military service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinus disability, obstructive sleep apnea secondary to a sinus disability, fibroids with resulting hysterectomy, and initial compensable evaluation for service-connected endometriosis. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a VA examination for sleep apnea and to determine if it is related to service. The other issues of service connection remain under review.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded due to new evidence being added to the record after the May 2015 SOC.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis is granted. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating due to the presence of flare-ups during which he cannot use his knee at all.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the onset and cause of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for sleep apnea and lower extremity radiculopathies. The remand also includes requests for effective date determinations and increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during active service and is therefore granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and colon disorder is granted. The claims are subject to the laws and regulations governing monetary awards.