Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the June 1988 rating decision denying service connection for retinitis pigmentosa was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for avascular necrosis, status post right hip arthroplasty, migraine headaches, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied. The claim for a right knee disability is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a current disability of the cervical or lumbosacral spine, and there is no evidence of chronicity within one year after service separation. The Veteran's fibromyalgia was also not incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is likely related to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbosacral spine disability, to include degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that a chronic sleep disorder diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a facial fracture and sleep apnea as secondary to the same condition, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in March 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on their etiology.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The claims of vision loss, right ankle disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, hearing loss, sleep apnea, Gulf War syndrome, deviated septum, and cystitis are dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disorder, and right knee degenerative joint disease (including DM) and sleep apnea. The Veteran's obesity was found to be a substantial factor in the development of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional VA and private treatment records are needed, as well as another examination for the Veteran's right ankle strain, right and left foot disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain these records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the VA examination in May 2012 is inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for obstructive sleep apnea or left bundle branch block as secondary to OSA. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and skin disorder.

The Veteran's sinus disorder, diagnosed as vasomotor rhinitis, was incurred during his period of active duty service. The Board finds that the evidence supports granting service connection for this condition. For the psychiatric and sleep apnea claims, additional VA medical opinions are needed to address all relevant evidence of record.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent prior to January 22, 2015 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Board has determined that the current ratings are appropriate for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the evidence does not establish a service connection for hypertension, hyperkeratosis of the feet, GERD or sleep apnea.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disc herniation and associated radiculopathy are currently rated at 40 percent, effective November 29, 2016. His hypertension is rated at 10 percent. The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder strain.