Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and an initial rating of 10 percent for bilateral flat feet. The decision found that there was no evidence to support a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI due to IED blast exposure was denied as there is no current diagnosis of TBI.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD and/or back injury was denied as the evidence does not show a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of left lower extremity secondary to back injury was denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected sleep apnea with asthma (claimed as shortness of breath) is denied. The issues of initial compensable ratings for chronic allergic eustachian tube dysfunction/blockage and migraine headaches are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea, increased disability rating for PTSD, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is claimed as a basis for his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates with respect to his evaluation for tinnitus and hearing loss have been dismissed as a matter of law. The Board has also remanded several issues related to increased evaluations and earlier effective dates for various disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, left wrist condition, and left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bulging discs in neck, sleep apnea, and hypertension due to potential issues with obtaining medical opinions on whether these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her left hip disability, right foot conditions, and lumbosacral strain due to new evidence indicating a possible association between these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for sleep apnea and determined that it is related to military service. The decision also found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea is not secondary to his service-connected migraines.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran needs to provide these records, and a VA examination is required to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for DDD and DJD of the lumbar spine, obstructive sleep apnea, left RLS, and right RLS have been granted. A 40% rating has been assigned for both left and right RLS.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea was denied as the original denial and finality of the decision were not appealed within one year.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for tonsillectomy and his service connection claim for sleep apnea are both remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and OSA, as these conditions may be related to his military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD, and a remand is required for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and new evidence. The issues include psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, right knee disorder, low back disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, with an effective date of December 11, 2012. The Veteran is now rated at the 70% disability level due to his PTSD. Service connection for residuals of a head injury and sleep apnea were also granted. However, service connection for nosebleeds and chronic fatigue syndrome was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and confirming whether the Veteran served at Camp Lejeune. The Board also requested an opinion on whether the Veteran's AML was proximately caused by his service-connected MALT lymphoma or related to herbicide exposure during active duty.