Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The claims for joint pain and respiratory condition were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted, while the claim for obstructive sleep apnea was reopened.,An increased rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and other conditions are granted service connection. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is remanded due to lack of evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination. The case will be returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted with an effective date of October 24, 2014. The other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to symptoms reported after service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital for headaches are being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature of this claim with his service connection claim. The decision on the service connection issue will impact the reimbursement claim.

The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted a 30 percent rating beginning September 19, 2014. The Veteran's lumbosacral DDD with lumbosacral strain is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the lack of a VA examination for the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

Service connection for sleep apnea is granted. A 30 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted beginning June 15, 2015 and a 50 percent rating from November 15, 2016 onward.,A rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 15, 2015 and in excess of 50 percent after November 15, 2016 for migraine headaches is denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent or 50 percent for recurrent sinusitis is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least in equipoise with evidence of onset during active duty service.,Service connection is established based on the presumption of soundness under 38 U.S.C. § 1112 for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left elbow, and right elbow disabilities are not related to his active service. The lumbosacral strain (low back condition) is remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, and secondary to service-connected depressive disorder or residuals of stress fracture in the left foot.

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

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for migraine headaches and sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination. The Veteran contends that his current conditions are related to his military service, but there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for sleep apnea as they need more information and a medical opinion regarding whether his current condition is related to service or his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder to include obstructive sleep apnea. The decision is remanded due to issues with increased ratings and rating reductions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU due to the need for a new medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's original claim for service connection for sleep apnea should be considered, and a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if his symptoms during service are related to his current condition.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been granted an initial 50 percent rating, effective December 21, 2018. The Board has also remanded several other issues for further development.