Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss ratings, and remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, rating for bilateral hearing loss disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 50 percent or higher for PTSD has been granted, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and secondary service connection for a heart condition as related to sleep apnea. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's OSA, which is aggravated by his PTSD, has been granted a 50% rating since March 19, 2009. As of November 25, 2009, but no earlier, the Veteran was found to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, neuropathy in multiple extremities, sleep apnea, hypertension, and pressure in eyes. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for diabetes mellitus. For all other conditions, the Board determined that there was insufficient evidence linking them to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred during his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA is denied as there is no evidence of a link between the condition and his military service.,Service connection is granted for low back disability, with the presumption that it is related to documented injuries sustained during service. The issue of TDIU prior to July 13, 2015, remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive and central sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, migraines, and TDIU due to incomplete medical records and the need for new examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, right and left knee disorders, and a psychiatric disorder due to the need to obtain VA medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right leg condition, migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and respiratory complaints due to an undiagnosed illness. The Board found that there was no current disability supporting these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an initial compensable rating for umbilical incisional hernia due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the etiology of her sleep apnea and the current severity of her umbilical hernia.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. Service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea syndromes is remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn. The Board has also dismissed the claim for a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The case is REMANDED for further action regarding PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, a neurocognitive disorder, and a psychiatric disorder due to lack of medical opinions on direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to his military service or service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain, left leg pain (sciatica), and right arm pain due to lack of a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered in formulating opinions.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to perform the basic functions of self-care and are as helpless due to his service-connected conditions, necessitating regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for eczema and OSA, both related to his PTSD. Additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as they are inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The digestive disorder claim is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. Service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, and TDIU will be addressed after a VA examination.