Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional evidence is needed from the Veteran regarding his treatment records, particularly those related to his diagnoses of COPD, sleep apnea, and carpal tunnel syndrome. A VA examination will be conducted to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for transverse myelitis was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,No current sleep disorder or related symptoms were found, as the Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support his claims.,Hypertension was not incurred in service; no current disability was established.,There is no indication of a current urinary impairment. The Veteran's mental health records do not mention any urinary issues.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) was granted based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for a higher rating is denied. The lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and femoral nerve involvement to the right lower extremity are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches has been granted at a 30 percent level, effective December 6, 2012. Service connection was denied for benign neoplasm of the respiratory system, malignant neoplasm of the ear, malignant neoplasm of the endocrine system, muscle neoplasm, CFS, sleep apnea, A-V block, chronic cholelithiasis, chronic liver disease, prostate infection, Hodgkin's disease, and chronic adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD, and sleep apnea have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between the current conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim of reopening his service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The issue of whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected asthma is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disability, bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and gout. The decision also granted a 10% rating for a fractured fourth metacarpal of the right hand.

The Veteran's sleep problems developed during his active duty service and are related to his military service. The VA examiner failed to consider the Veteran’s reports of symptoms, so a remand is required to obtain relevant records and schedule an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction due to their association with the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The claims of entitlement to service connection for other conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, dental disorder, and right shoulder rotator cuff tendinopathy due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 10 percent rating prior to September 17, 2007. The initial rating for bronchial asthma with sleep apnea on an extraschedular basis remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and major depressive disorder (MDD), but granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea, PTSD, and anxiety disorder are remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's OSA, depressive disorder, right knee pain, left knee pain, and right ankle DJD are all granted service connection. The rating for chronic low back pain is increased to 40 percent.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 1, 1997 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 1, 1997.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, CFS, migraines, sleep apnea, and low back disability are all granted. Service connection for PTSD is granted but with a remand for an initial rating determination.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it was inferred from his allegations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea and hypersomnolence, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The issues include left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, PTSD, sleep apnea, and hiatal hernia with GERD and esophagitis.