Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is manifested by flare-ups resulting in limited forward flexion of the lumbosacral spine to approximately 30 degrees, which warrants a 40 percent disability rating. The appeal is granted for this rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which is related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service. As a result, the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is rendered moot and dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea and increased the Veteran's PTSD rating to 70 percent. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, right knee arthritis, and lumbar disc bulging and arthritis of the lumbar spine are all found to have onset during service. The Veteran is granted a rating of at least 10 percent for his left heel fasciitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, left wrist disability, sleep apnea, GERD, and left shoulder disability. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his active military service.,Service connection is granted for each of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and grants a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including addendum opinions from the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected, and his hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during active service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to August 1, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records and other relevant medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his chronic lumbosacral strain was denied, as the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to less than 30 degrees. The TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during active service and the Board finds that reasonable doubt must be resolved in favor of the Veteran, granting entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability and granted it. The Veteran's other claims, including those for increased ratings, are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder arthritis and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in or were aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted service connection, and his current 30 percent rating for carcinoma of the left testicle is maintained. The earlier effective date issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for a left wrist disability is denied due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review. He seeks service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased evaluation for his asthma.