Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during his active service and is related to his military service, thus granting service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, heart disability, immune deficiency, and sleep apnea. The claims are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding potential exposure to toxic materials during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disability, right knee disability, or sleep apnea-hypopnea that began during his active duty service. The Veteran's vertigo and migraines are also denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's OSA was not manifested in service or for many years thereafter, and is not shown to be related to his service or to have been caused or aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis. Therefore, the claim of service connection for OSA, to include as secondary to sinusitis, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol abuse, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in, or caused by, his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is addressed in a separate REMAND portion.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not have its onset during service, is not otherwise related to service, and is not proximately due or the result of a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is not causally or etiologically related to active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in a recent VA opinion and unclear findings regarding the relationship between sleep apnea and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing whether her sleep apnea is secondary to her service-connected psychotic disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, thus denying entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type I, is rated at 60 percent disabling. The Board also granted a TDIU rating due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The claim to reopen his obstructive sleep apnea was granted, but the underlying claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private medical records not being obtained. The Veteran is advised to provide information about any relevant treatment received from outside VA.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected depression and/or medication.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea did not manifest during service and is not attributable to service. The kidney failure was found to be secondary to Henoch-Schönlein purpura, which may have had its origin in service due to exposure to hazardous materials.