Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have aided in the development of his OSA, and it is as likely as not that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aids in the development of his seizure disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic heart and lung conditions, including ischemic heart disease, were incurred in service. These conditions substantially contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear SNHL and liposarcoma are not service-connected as they were not caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine disability with IVDS and right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and rotator cuff tear, obstructive sleep apnea, and lumbar strain with DDD and bulging discs. The claim for a right knee disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing before the Board.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service, and whether it was caused or permanently aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including scoliosis, is rated at 20 percent effective August 6, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence. The skin condition claim is related to exposure to an herbicide agent, sleep apnea may be related to PTSD or service-connected conditions, hypertension is presumed related to service, and erectile dysfunction must be evaluated in relation to his hypertension.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, and left shoulder rotator cuff disorder are all found to be related to his service-connected left ankle disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea and seizure disorder claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spondylosis was not manifested by flexion less than 60 degrees or combined range of motion less than 120 degrees from May 13, 2011. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and narcolepsy are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. As such, entitlement to a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of such during his active duty. The diagnoses provided are from private physicians and do not establish a direct link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his herniated lumbosacral spine condition, cervical spine arthritis, and left shoulder arthritis have been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.