Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, anosmia/loss of smell, loss of taste, status post sinus surgery, and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss, pes planus (flat feet), or sleep apnea that is related to service.,The Veteran's flat feet were noted at entry into service and remained asymptomatic throughout his career. The VA examiner found no evidence of aggravation during service.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the claims for lumbosacral strain, left hip trochanteric bursitis with limited and painful abduction prior to May 19, 2017, left hip trochanteric bursitis with limited flexion, a left calf condition, and a left thigh muscle condition have been dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected asthma, but more evidence is needed to determine this relationship.

Service connection for sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus is denied.,A rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected migraine headaches is denied, with the reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent being improper and the 30 percent rating restored.,The effective date for service-connected lumbar spine disability remains October 16, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and a respiratory condition other than obstructive sleep apnea, as there are insufficient medical opinions in the record.

The Veteran's current 10 percent rating for hypothyroidism is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination, including consideration of overlapping criteria with other service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bilateral knee disability, finding new and material evidence. The claims for back disability and sleep apnea remain denied.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran’s sleep apnea was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, esophageal disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inconsistencies in VA medical opinions and recent statements indicating an increase in severity of symptoms. The Veteran needs additional examinations for his sleep disorder, sinusitis, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The September 2018 private examiner provided a strong opinion that the sleep disorder is proximately due to his GERD.

The Veteran's PTSD and related disabilities have been granted a 70% disability rating, TDIU status, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for back, bilateral hips, and bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension are also remanded as there is inadequate VA examination reports.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea as there was no evidence of its onset during service and the weight of the evidence failed to establish a causal relationship between service and current sleep apnea.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to undergo a new VA examination for his sleep apnea and heart disease claims, as these issues are inextricably intertwined. The examiner must provide opinions on whether the Veteran's conditions are related to service-connected asbestosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right shoulder GSW, right shoulder tendonitis, and obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claim for increased ratings for left foot pes planus, painful scar, linear scar, and hallux valgus remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea. Service connection is being remanded for narcolepsy due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of major depression has been granted with a 70% evaluation. The claims for service connection for hypertension, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to major depression) have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.