Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's eye disability claim is denied as there is no diagnosed condition related to service.,The Veteran's back, feet, and face skin conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is remanded for a medical opinion on its etiology.,The Veteran's cellulitis of the left thigh claim is remanded for clarification of whether it constitutes a current disability or if it is only pain.,The Veteran's thyroid disorder claim is remanded to determine when the condition manifested and whether service aggravated it.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for further medical opinion on its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The current ratings remain at 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was denied in October 2008. New and material evidence has been received, reopening the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and his cause of death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, low back disability, bilateral upper and lower extremity disability, and Parkinson’s disease to obtain an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected TBI.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for unspecified neurological condition associated with TBI and headaches associated with TBI.

The Veteran's facial scars have been rated as noncompensable due to the absence of characteristics of disfigurement or pain. The Board has found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.,Several service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded, including cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, left hip disability, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, neurological disabilities of the buttocks and lower extremities, chronic pain, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine spondylosis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also on appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for high cholesterol as it is not a disability recognized by VA. The remaining issues on appeal are being remanded due to the Veteran's assertion of increased severity since his last examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea should be remanded due to inadequate notice and assistance, need for a VA examination, and missing translations of documents.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted service connection as it occurred during a period of inactive duty for training. The lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis issue is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in service and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for brain disorder, vision disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, erectile dysfunction, and prostate disorder. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed brain disorder or vision disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's respiratory condition is granted service connection. The appeals for erectile dysfunction, PTSD rating, and TDIU are dismissed. Service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the right knee condition, right leg injury, sleep apnea, hearing loss, and PTSD rating. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is granted, and the Board finds that his condition began during service. The issue of service connection for pes planus is remanded due to missing STRs.

The Board has ordered a new examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his active duty service, specifically addressing his reported sleeping difficulties during service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea is granted, and he is also granted a TDIU rating. The claims for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are dismissed.

The Veteran's right knee instability, strain, and scars are rated at 10 percent each. The combined rating is less than the minimum required for TDIU (60% or more disability).

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, sinusitis, sleep apnea, hypertension, chest pain, a dental disorder for treatment purposes, and ear disability. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a hernia disorder, finding no current disability related to the condition. The claim is remanded for further development regarding vertigo and dizziness, OSA as secondary to panic disorder, and GERD.,Service connection for a hernia disorder was denied due to lack of evidence of a current disability during the pendency of the appeal.