Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, sleep apnea disorder, and positive TB test. The Veteran's asthma was diagnosed in service and continues to be treated post-service. Her sleep apnea disorder is linked to her period of service based on symptoms reported during service and a subsequent sleep study. However, the positive TB test alone does not constitute a disability for which VA compensation benefits may be awarded.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an effective date of May 17, 2011 for the increased rating of PTSD.,Obstructive sleep apnea was found to be less likely than not caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes, tinnitus, hearing loss, hemorrhoids, hand blisters, and a lung disability to include asbestosis were found to have their onset in service or are related to an in-service event. The upper and lower extremity neuropathies, vision problems including retinopathy, and atherosclerosis including coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease are caused or aggravated by the now sevice-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right third finger and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected residuals of a nose fracture, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea began during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, as well as to address other relevant evidence in the claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD, and his benign asymptomatic pulmonary nodules are related to military service. The other issues have not been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to address lay statements regarding in-service symptoms and observations of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is found to be service-connected due to its presumptive nature based on his Gulf War service. The other conditions are not currently service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and readjudication due to the need for a VA examination regarding his obstructive sleep apnea, an increased rating for PTSD, and consideration of TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, sleep apnea, and enlarged heart due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any private treatment records from his September 2015 surgery. The Veteran will also be asked to provide information about his employment history.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of sleep apnea, and the Board has dismissed the case.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions were not present during service or related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea and service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received by VA within one year of a previous rating decision, and the claim is now considered an original claim. The Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD or its associated medication use.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a rating of 40 percent, and his left shoulder disability warrants a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not found to have caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea, and the Board denies service connection for this condition.