Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran withdrew their appeal, so the Board is dismissing all issues related to increased rating for a lumbar spine disability and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea arose during or as a result of his active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine and right knee disabilities, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and hypertension, as well as his claim for service connection for sleep apnea, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded because there may be outstanding VA records that are relevant to his TDIU claim. Specifically, the Veteran was accepted for vocational rehabilitation and completed paralegal studies.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are etiologically related to his military service. The appeal regarding secondary service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to his in-service sinus condition or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The right wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss (left ear only), tinnitus, cervical spine disorder, COPD, IBS, OSA, left hip disorder, headaches, and seizures were not shown in service or are not causally related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case and consideration of his claims, including entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and in-county service. The VA is required to verify the Veteran’s duties and any potential exposure to herbicides, as well as determine if he had in-county service within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, which is related to his service-connected PTSD or medications used in its treatment.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including major depression, is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sleep apnea and GERD for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus, are denied. The Board has found the Veteran's claims for lumbar DDD, cervical DDD, BUE peripheral neuropathy, BLE peripheral neuropathy, a skin condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to be inextricably intertwined with his exposure to toxic exposures at Fort McClellan and thus remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance or housebound rate, eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing, and eligibility for a special home adaptation grant due to conflicting evidence of record regarding her service-connected disabilities' impact on her ability to perform activities of daily living.

Service connection for COPD and sleep apnea secondary to COPD is granted.,Service connection for a skin disorder (claimed as chronic mycotic fungal infection) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral strain. He argues that the VA examiner and VA failed to recognize findings from a private consultation, which documented more severe symptoms.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the hypertension issue due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, OSA, and hypertension were denied. The appeals are remanded for further development.