Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The initial compensable rating for right maxillary sinusitis remains denied, while service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction (ED) are both remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, asthma, or PTSD.

The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran's OSA may be related to his service-connected conditions of deviated septum residuals, asthma, and GERD.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is denied as not related to his military service, including presumed herbicide agent exposure and PTSD. The TDIU claim prior to September 30, 2010 is denied.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as there was no diagnosis of hearing loss in the right ear during the appeal period.,Service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorder (rhinitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea), CAD, autoimmune insufficiency with orthostatic hypotension and memory problems, and hyperlipidemia is denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for bilateral knee disorder is denied as the Veteran did not step foot in Vietnam or have other qualifying service. The Board found subjective arthralgia but acknowledged the Veteran's competence to report on his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus for further examination and opinion. The Veteran's claims are not currently granted as service connection is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety was denied, as the symptoms did not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating.,Service connection for PTSD was also denied due to lack of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM criteria and insufficient stressor support.,Erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea were both remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their relationship to service-connected adjustment disorder.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (claimed as neuropathy), prostate disability, obstructive sleep apnea, spine disorder, bilateral foot disorder, left upper extremity disorder, right upper extremity disorder, and bilateral lower extremity disorder (other than neuropathy) is denied.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea contributed to his death by causing insomnia, which led him to use marijuana for relief. The marijuana then caused a psychotic disorder that resulted in the Veteran committing suicide.

The Veteran's increased ratings for type 2 diabetes and PTSD are denied. The issues of service connection for diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are not ready for decision due to a lack of certain records. The VA is instructed to obtain any relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as any private treatment records or lay statements from the Veteran.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective May 13, 2015. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to address his claims of service connection for sleep apnea, supraventricular arrhythmia and arterial fibrillation/flutter due to PTSD and herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and left inguinal hernia, finding that these conditions began during active service.

The Veteran's laceration and tendon injury of the index and middle fingers, right (major) hand is not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 7, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.,The Veteran's left knee injury is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during service or related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The VA examiner found the Veteran's sleep apnea was not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, sinusitis, and rhinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation (secondary to obstructive sleep apnea), and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical opinions that link these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinion considering recent statements from the Veteran and his fellow soldier.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of various conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.