Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's sleep apnea was diagnosed within one year of separation from service, but the Board found that it is more likely related to pre-service symptoms and granted service connection.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and sleep apnea.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence of a diagnosed chronic disability resulting from the claimed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for a sinus disability, sleep apnea, thyroid disability, prostate disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD) as the evidence does not support their onset during active service or a direct relationship to such.,There is no evidence of any in-service stressors related to the Veteran's claimed workplace stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD and sleep apnea are being remanded for further evaluation as the current evidence does not fully address their severity or relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests for additional information from the Veteran. The lumbosacral strain claim is pending.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, and right foot disorder. Service connection was granted for depression and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was previously denied in 2010 and not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 6, 2016. The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of his TDIU claim due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and thus the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and lumbar spine disorder are granted service connection. The joint pain issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's gout is granted a 20% rating prior to October 12, 2013. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on the Veteran experiencing 1-2 exacerbations per year of his service-connected gout.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his military service, including exposure to burn pits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, which is currently considered a direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa with cataract extraction, implants and glaucoma was granted in July 2011 with an effective date of September 16, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current disability started during his active service. The issue of whether VA correctly recouped separation pay is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder tendinitis, obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The conditions are considered to be directly related to active service.

The Board has granted restoration of the 20 percent rating for left wrist disability, but has remanded several other claims due to new evidence and incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, and a chronic headache disorder due to incomplete medical opinions and procedural errors.

Service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, headaches disorder, and sleep apnea has been granted. Service connection for a left foot disorder is reopened but not granted. Service connection for hypertension was denied.,The Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates, but remanded several issues related to his service-connected disabilities.