Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea claims will be reviewed again with new information.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity cold injury, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and PTSD were denied. The claim for right thumb tendonitis was partially granted with a temporary total disability period but not an increased rating above 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus due to any incident of his active duty service. The claims for sleep apnea and lumbosacral disc disease with left leg sciatica are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea is granted as service connected. The increased disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease Lumbar Spine are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is at least as likely as not related to his current Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and thus grants service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's right foot planter fasciitis, degenerative joint disease of the right foot, obstructive sleep apnea, liver disability (fatty liver disease), and psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder) have all been granted service connection. The Veteran also has a left foot disability that is service-connected.

The Board dismissed the appeals concerning entitlement to service connection for a low back condition, right knee and lower leg condition, PTSD, and granted the appeal for sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional VA clinical records, scheduling examinations, and determining the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for MRSA, sleep apnea, residuals of fibrocystic breast disease, and residuals of a peri urethral tear and clitoral numbness due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a skin condition and heart condition were withdrawn prior to the issuance of a Board decision. The appeal for obstructive sleep apnea, secondary to PTSD, is remanded. The appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded. The appeal for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology within one year after service and attributing the current condition to a motor vehicle accident several decades post-service.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is remanded for an examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's request to reopen the issue of service connection for chronic headaches (migraines) and eye condition, previously denied due to lack of a relationship with service, is granted. Service connection for sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to PTSD and depression. The evaluation in excess of 30 percent disabling for asthma is remanded.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea disability is etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for left wrist disability, arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to increased severity of symptoms since the last examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for dizziness, migraines, major depressive disorder (MDD), and sleep apnea. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding his in-service exposure to chemicals and subsequent symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability and OSA is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of frost bite of the left foot and right foot are remanded as VA treatment records may contain relevant information.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder requires a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is part of her increased rating claims, which also require additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, preclude all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him. The Board grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.