Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lumbosacral sprain and associated conditions are rated at 40 percent effective from November 13, 2018. Separate ratings of 20 percent each are granted for lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the right and left lower extremities. A rating of 10 percent is granted for instability in the right knee.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, as the March 2017 VA examiner did not consider the VA Public Health opinion submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea is related to symptoms he experienced during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. However, he does not qualify for housebound benefits as his single service-connected disability rated at 100% does not meet the requirement of additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and OSA are granted service connection, but his bilateral knee disability is denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of stroke and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee and back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic sinusitis (previously claimed as sinus congestion), finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service, including his presumed Otto fuel exposure. Service connection was also granted for sinus congestion based on new evidence submitted since the last denial.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, as well as whether it is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and left knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus disability, sleep apnea syndrome, and hypertension. All conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence indicating that it is related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issues of service connection for right knee disorder and left foot disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions were dismissed due to their death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or if his service-connected asthma aggravates it.

The Veteran's petition to reopen service connection for hearing loss in the left ear was denied as there is no current disability. The claim for erectile dysfunction was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.,Service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded, requiring further examination and evaluation by VA clinicians.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration, including scheduling VA examinations to address his hip and ankle pain, as well as sleep and fatigue symptoms. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for readjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in previous VA opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure, and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and fatigue and weakness, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, right sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The current evaluations were found to be appropriate given the mild symptoms reported by the Veteran.