Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea as there was no evidence of its onset during service or a link to service, and the Veteran's symptoms were more likely related to PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issues of bilateral hip and knee disabilities, as well as TDIU. The decision on TDIU is pending due to its interdependence with other matters.

The Board has denied a request for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus and has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea syndromes secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied a request to have the effective date of service connection for PTSD earlier than July 2, 2014. The Veteran's claim was initially filed on that date and he is now seeking an increased rating for his PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, needs further development and an addendum VA opinion is required.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for costochondritis, MVP, frostbite on the right ear, and depression are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition to include lumbosacral spine spondylosis was granted. The claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral hip and knee disabilities were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a deviated septum, sinus disability, right ear disability, and obstructive sleep apnea are all denied.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not establish a nexus between any of these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, sleep apnea, headaches, neck pain, lower back condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition due to a lack of VA examinations and opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 60 percent from October 3, 2005. The Board found no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis and granted a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran should have received TDIU prior to June 29, 2000.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records, verify his reported stressors, and obtain a VA psychiatric opinion.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a back disability, service connection for a genitourinary disability, and service connection for residuals of the removal of the right fallopian tube. A new examination is required in each case.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred during his military service and there is no evidence linking it to his time in the armed forces.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as new and material evidence was not received, and the current records do not show that the condition existed during service or is related to service.

The Veteran's left knee, right knee, and right elbow disabilities are granted service connection. The Veteran's OSA is also granted service connection. However, the Veteran's bruxism claim remains pending as it lacks a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded due to the lack of STRs and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and residuals, granted service connection for an implanted cardiac pacemaker, but denied service connection for a complete heart block.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for his back brace is granted, as he reported that the brace caused wear and tear to his clothes. The claim for a knee brace is denied because there was no evidence of wear and tear on his clothes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and insomnia is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.