Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder), recurrent kidney stones, and low back disability are all granted. The Veteran is also awarded a TDIU.

The claim of service connection for sleep apnea is reopened, but the case is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a separate rating for sleep apnea associated with service-connected bronchial asthma was denied. The Board also found the evidence insufficient to determine if allergic rhinitis is related to service or service-connected conditions, and thus remanded these issues.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected bilateral knee disability did not contribute to his death and was not a primary or contributory cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, particularly regarding her service-connected foot disabilities. The appeals will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease due to a lack of VA examinations. The cases are now pending for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to his in-service trouble sleeping or major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, a right knee disorder, and hypertension is denied. The appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder and a respiratory disorder is remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support its onset during or related to active duty service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, and hypertension are also denied due to lack of current disability for VA purposes. The appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder and respiratory disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating were denied because he did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the January 2015 rating decisions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding chemical exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to allergic rhinitis and hypertension is granted. The claim for a compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Veteran's Parkinson’s Disease is granted as it is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on in-service noise exposure and current diagnosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence suggesting a possible link between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his OSA, as well as incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide lay statements from family members or fellow veterans who observed symptoms during service. A VA examiner will be requested to provide medical opinions regarding whether PTSD has caused or aggravated OSA.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea secondary to obesity, finding that the Veteran's obesity is at least in part due to his service-connected bilateral knee and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome are rated at 40 percent since February 25, 2019. The rating is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea should be remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea and UARS due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current conditions and active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a clinical onset during service and insufficient medical evidence linking the current diagnosis to service.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sleep apnea, as it is related to PTSD. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his sleep apnea is related to in-service events or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.