Sleep apnea decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evaluation of the Veteran's claims regarding his obstructive sleep apnea, which may be related to exposure to toxic fumes in service or in-service complaints of sinus trouble.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, including those from Salisbury VAMC and PrimeCare clinics. The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a left little finger injury, chronic eye disability (myopia and retinal detachments), and obstructive sleep apnea are also being reviewed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of aggravation of sleep apnea by GERD is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The earlier effective date claim for diabetes is dismissed due to lack of disagreement with the July 2011 rating decision. The increased disability ratings and TDIU claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, restless leg syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea due to their being related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to her service-connected mood disorder. The Veteran needs additional medical opinions regarding whether her sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by her mood disorder.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder.,PTSD was denied due to lack of current diagnosis and no supporting evidence.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active duty.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, L5-S1, was rated at 20 percent prior to August 6, 2015, and in excess of 40 percent from that date. The Board found no basis for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea service connection was denied as there is no evidence of a prior claim or intent to apply for benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain was remanded due to the need for additional medical guidance and a new VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for a back disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a case or controversy pending before the Board due to the full grant of benefits sought on appeal. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including glaucoma, sleep apnea, hypertension, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy, are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish herbicide exposure or any other link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective August 1, 2008, the date he first received service connection for his disabilities.

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

The appeal for service connection of a pulmonary disorder (claimed as asbestos exposure) is dismissed. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied for the period prior to April 28, 2017. The claim for service connection of sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of whether the Veteran's current hypertension, tension headaches, memory loss or residuals of a traumatic brain injury are related to his military service.