Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD, but more evidence is needed for a definitive determination.

The Board has decided that the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, and hypertension secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder need further examination and opinion. The Veteran's testimony during his June 2018 hearing indicated he was seeking service connection for these conditions as secondary to his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to service, but needs further examination and opinion from a VA clinician.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus, type II, are remanded as secondary to service-connected other specified depressive and anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine if his obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service, and whether it is proximately due or the result of his service-connected headaches, residuals of a head injury.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sleep apnea and bilateral ankle condition due to insufficient medical evidence, and additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service petroleum exposure and its impact on the Veteran's health. The Veteran is requested to undergo examinations by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any respiratory disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed for the Veteran's sleep apnea claim, as there is evidence of current disability, service-connected condition, and potential link between the two. The examiner must determine if the sleep apnea had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service, and whether it was caused or aggravated by PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for left-hand arthritis, a skin rash on the back, and PTSD. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence. Ratings for bilateral knee disabilities and migraines are also remanded.,Service connection was not granted for left-hand arthritis, a skin rash on the back, or PTSD. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding these claims.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records and provide a medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and a back condition is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of his low back disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for back pain, bilateral knee pain, gastritis, sweating at night, sleep apnea, fatigue, and stiffness. However, these claims are still being remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with cognitive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues of whether obstructive sleep apnea and a left foot disorder are related to service or secondary to service-connected conditions will be addressed in further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and neck disability as there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The June 2015 sleep study did not provide a basis to establish service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions. The rating for cervical spine disability is also remanded as evidence suggests a material worsening since the last examination in January 2014. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded because the audiogram associated with the September 2015 VA audiology consult has not been made part of the record.