Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and obesity, specifically whether these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral myositis and sciatica of the right and left lower extremities have been granted service connection, with a 10% disability rating for each condition.

The Board has reopened the claims for left shoulder/arm pain, liver mass, right ear hearing loss disability, back disability, shin splints, right knee disability, sleep apnea, GERD, and PTSD. However, service connection is not granted for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease L5-S1 and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder and obstructive sleep apnea were addressed. The Board found the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and increased rating for low back disorder (thoracolumbar spine IVDS) to be remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and alcohol dependency, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disability other than tinea corporis, and obstructive sleep apnea due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders, specifically chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records and conduct a new examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, bilateral plantar calcaneal spurring, pes planus, hallux valgus, sleep apnea, hypertension, right upper extremity neurological disability, and left upper extremity neurological disability as secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine spondylolysis. The VA is directed to obtain relevant medical records, including VA treatment records and Workman's Compensation records, and provide the Veteran with appropriate examinations.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected epistaxis status post excision of nasal polyp and septoplasty, is reopened. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for sinusitis, including as secondary to his service-connected epistaxis status post excision of nasal polyp and septoplasty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral flatfeet, left ear hearing loss, COPD, and tinnitus. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, sleep apnea, and CHF are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis and DJD, and there was no evidence of ankylosis to support a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. For TDIU, the Veteran's combined disability rating did not meet the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development and evaluation, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of the Veteran's asthma and obstructive sleep apnea to his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, right leg disability, and left leg disability due to outstanding VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for rosacea is granted, while the claim for atopic dermatitis is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbosacral spine disability. The evidence did not establish a link between these disabilities and service.