Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and hypertension have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to support reopening these claims. The Veteran’s current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD lumbosacral spine and TDIU were denied as the current evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected nasal disability. The VA examiner found the current medical evidence insufficient and recommended a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, finding that the conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's son, A.C., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18 due to diagnosed conditions including seizure disorder, sleep apnea, ADHD, and major depressive disorder. The Board granted recognition as a helpless child.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology and aggravation of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran was granted service connection for a hiatal hernia, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the etiology of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence. The cases are remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his in-service snoring or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 5, 2010, meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a sleep disorder, diagnosed as sleep apnea. The evidence submitted since the November 2008 rating decision is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted.

An effective date of November 26, 2013 for a 60 percent rating for service-connected ischemic heart disease is granted. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction) do not render him unemployable as he has been continuously employed for over two decades.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a new medical opinion regarding whether his sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service connected. The low back and right knee disability claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for left knee instability and separate ratings of 10 percent each for painful flexion and frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The claim for service connection for low back strain is reopened due to the receipt of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of a link between the Veteran's current sleep apnea and his military service.