Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to July 28, 2011 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter. The left knee disability remains under appeal. TDIU and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound are also pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and insufficient analysis of certain issues. The Veteran's complete service treatment records, specifically his Reserve service treatment records and active duty period from October 2007 to January 2009, need to be obtained.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for further evaluation and potential service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including examinations to address his claimed conditions and their relationship to service. The claims are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA medical opinions on the causes of the Veteran's restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, but the issue of service connection for a back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The temporary total rating claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back arthritis and major depressive disorder. The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with arthropathy, stenosis, DDD, IVDS, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), both of which the Veteran contends began in service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective from November 21, 2008. His insomnia and OSA were denied, and his acid reflux condition received an increased rating to 30% prior to December 6, 2014, and to 20% thereafter.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital from April 7, 2014, through April 11, 2014, are denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and an attempt to use them beforehand would have been reasonable.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology, including whether it is secondary or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disorder, and a compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis due to lack of medical opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete examinations and lack of proper consideration of Gulf War exposure. The Veteran is required to undergo a Gulf War examination to address his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for respiratory disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, back disorder, bilateral leg disorder, right foot disorder, and stomach disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for an extraschedular evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability, increased evaluations for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and a TDIU claim due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA examination. The initial rating claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea claim, including exposure to chemicals and asbestos in barracks.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have likely manifested during his military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.