Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right shoulder tendinitis is granted as service-connected.,The appeal for tuberculosis has been withdrawn by the Veteran, and thus dismissed.,TDIU based on service-connected disabilities from May 26, 2010 is granted.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to include as due to PTSD is remanded.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) to include as due to PTSD is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for joint pain, respiratory condition, sleep apnea, cirrhosis of the liver, headaches, and dementia.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it was not present during service and is not related to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for various conditions are denied as the evidence does not support her contention that these conditions were caused by VA negligence or lack of care.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional records and review the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a skin disability, psychiatric disorder, and an increased rating for hernia residuals are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea. The cases of chronic prostatitis, left upper extremity paresthesia, right upper extremity paresthesia, hemorrhoids, and GERD/hiatal hernia are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder disability and obstructive sleep apnea, and granted a 20% rating for his left ankle sprain from June 9, 2014 to October 17, 2016 and from February 2, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a missed VA examination for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered after he is rescheduled for an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but denied service connection for a low back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The evidence does not support a link between the condition and either service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist sprain and osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating under DC 5214. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were deemed to be insufficient to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his initial rating for bipolar disorder with opioid dependence is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, and service connection for left ear hearing loss and chronic fatigue are granted to the extent of reopening. A rating of 70 percent for PTSD since April 16, 2012, is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for right shoulder dislocation, right ankle sprain, left ankle disability, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, whether it is related to service or his service-connected PTSD and TBI disabilities.

Your claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing. The issues include reopening of several service connection claims.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been manifested by symptoms including nasal congestion and headaches, but not polyps or at least 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides. He is seeking a compensable initial rating.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and has not had one at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.,The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's traumatic brain injury began during active service, or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran’s reports of a fall and head injury are not credible as they appear to be directly contradicted by the contemporaneous medical evidence.,The Board concludes that the preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and bilateral tinea pedis all incurred during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's lay testimony suggests his sleep problems started in service, but a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.