Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and right ankle sprain have been rated, but the appeals for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for low back disorder, right ankle instability, and sleep apnea. The claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his current condition is causally related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records from qualifying periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) were not considered in the previous decision, and therefore remands are required to consider these periods.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected residuals of maxilla fracture (incomplete Lefort). The decision is based on a finding that the Veteran's sleep apnea was aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the claim of other specified schizophrenia and psychotic disorder. The Veteran's OSA is not related to his military service, as there are no in-service complaints or diagnoses. His current condition was diagnosed 25 years after separation from service.,Regarding the schizophrenia and psychotic disorder, the Board found that while the Veteran has been diagnosed with these conditions, they were not discussed in the September 2016 rating decision. The claim remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of various disabilities.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been submitted, allowing the reopening of the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence being obtained and a need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The appeal regarding eligibility for VA medical treatment for a psychosis or mental illness under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1702 is dismissed as the Veteran's major depressive disorder now qualifies him for such treatment.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted. The claims for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Headaches and Migraines were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and hypertension due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset in service. The Veteran will need further medical opinions on these issues.

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

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for a left knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and residuals of a traumatic brain injury due to outstanding medical records. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and perforated tympanic membrane are not rated as they meet the criteria for non-compensable ratings.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected PTSD due to insufficient medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, sleep apnea, and anxiety disorder as secondary to service-connected asbestosis pleural plaques due to incomplete examination reports and lack of consideration of certain contentions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and hypertension have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for a compensable rating of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied, with a rating of 20% prior to June 5, 2018, and 40% thereafter. The Veteran also received an initial 20% rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to June 5, 2018, but was denied a higher rating after that date.,The Board found no basis for increased ratings for either condition.