Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder and associated neurological impairments, including IVDS and radiculopathy. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The case is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability and associated symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Separate ratings are also required for the right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for Asthma, COPD (as secondary to asthma), and Sleep Apnea as the Veteran's preexisting asthma did not worsen during his two-month active duty service. The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left bottom foot condition, sleep apnea, TBI and an acquired psychiatric disability due to issues with character of discharge and outstanding service records. The appeal will be reconsidered after these matters are resolved.

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but this condition is not service-connected. The Board found that the cause of death was not related to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as incurred in service.,An acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and a sleep disorder (including sleep apnea) are remanded for further development.,Hypertension is remanded for further development.,Left and right wrist disabilities are remanded for further development.,,

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of his degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine prior to April 12, 2016 was denied. The appeal is REMANDED as there are issues regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disabilities.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation of his degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine from April 12, 2016 is also REMANDED due to issues with service connection for bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of her service-connected low back disability is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine disability due to inadequate development of evidence, specifically regarding the severity and functional impairment caused by flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. The issues are related to sleep apnea and squamous cell carcinoma, both claimed as resulting from exposure to asbestos or herbicide during military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD prior to May 5, 2016, and a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted as it is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a back injury and bilateral lower extremity post-phlebitic syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed. Service connection was granted for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issue of service connection for peroneal motor neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis C, chronic liver disability (secondary to hepatitis C), diabetes mellitus (secondary to sleep apnea), and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depression) have been dismissed.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, right upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, glaucoma, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and TDIU due to the intertwining nature of these claims. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is now remanded as it is inextricably linked with the issue of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.