Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. However, the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea was denied.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and hemorrhoids, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as it involves conflicting medical evidence and requires further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on exposure to flammable liquids during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinus disease, low back disorder, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective December 18, 2012. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a headache disorder are granted as secondary to the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD and tinnitus. The issues of service connection for a right hand disability, neck condition, sleep apnea, esophagus condition, hernia disability, head scar, and TBI are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for sleep apnea and increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left foot hallux valgus deformity, and hypertension. The Veteran's representative contends that the Veteran’s sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including reopening of service connection claims and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities. The Veteran's PTSD claim was also denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was not granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbosacral sprain/strain and melanoma status post surgery residual scar are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for nasal septoplasty residuals, sleep apnea secondary to nasal septoplasty, and sinus disorder secondary to nasal septoplasty.,There is no clear evidence that the Veteran's nasal septal defect preexisted service or was aggravated by military service. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s current nasal symptoms were not aggravated in service.,The Board also denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding it less likely than not related to his need for an in-service nasal septoplasty.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including skin cancer and hypertension. The remaining issues are also being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he withdrew his appeals for TDIU, service connection for diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea, and an increased disability rating for GERD if he received a 100% disability rating before the decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hand disorders, sleep apnea, duodenal ulcer, and acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder) have all been denied.,Specifically, the Board found that there is no direct evidence linking any of these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral hands and other joints, finding no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or related to active service. The TDIU claim was granted as the appellant's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including a lumbosacral spine disability, right hip disability, right knee disability, bilateral leg disability, headaches, pulmonary embolism, and DVT of the left leg. The appeal is being remanded to obtain appropriate medical examinations.

The Board has determined that a new medical opinion is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it was incurred in service or caused by his service-connected sinusitis.