Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right ankle disability was not rated higher than 10%. Service connection for bilateral knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and sleep apnea were all denied as new evidence did not relate to the unestablished facts necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to the Veteran's service or his service-connected PTSD. The decision also addressed secondary service connection but found no evidence of a causal link between the sleep apnea and the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied, and the issue of service connection for Sleep Apnea is remanded.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, as it may be related to his service-connected PTSD. The current evidence does not provide sufficient information for a decision on this issue.

The Veteran's hypertension and skin disability have been granted initial ratings. The right knee, left finger, and sleep apnea disorders are all remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome has been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of sleep apnea or chronic fatigue syndrome, and the preponderance of the evidence showed that any such conditions were not related to his active service.

The Board has granted the request to reopen the claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues of entitlement to service connection for low back disorder, muscle twitching due to undiagnosed illness (UI), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to undiagnosed illness (UI), headaches due to undiagnosed illness (UI), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded.,The AOJ will arrange for an appropriate examiner to determine whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, muscle twitching due to undiagnosed illness (UI), CFS due to undiagnosed illness (UI), headaches due to undiagnosed illness (UI), and OSA are related to active service or a UI.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any retinal degeneration, loss of depth perception, cerumen impaction, and sleep disorder (to include sleep apnea) found to be present during the appeal period. The claims are being remanded for these examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, hypertension (to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II), and sleep apnea due to incomplete opinions in his service connection examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability. The Veteran was last provided a VA examination over four years ago, and he testified during a hearing that his condition has worsened. Therefore, a new VA examination is required to determine the current nature and severity of his disability.

The Veteran's loss of tooth #8 with implant is granted, while the service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and heart disability is being remanded for further development.,The Veteran was provided with a VA examination regarding his pes planus, but not for his sleep apnea or heart condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his snoring during service could be linked to his current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and cervical disc disease, as well as his claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for MDD. The appeals are being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart condition and sleep apnea that are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.