Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his sleep apnea (which includes bronchial asthma) is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected asthma, finding that the evidence did not show an in-service event or disease and that OSA was more likely due to obesity rather than asthma.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to outstanding National Guard service treatment records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because he failed to report for multiple VA examinations in October 2015 without good cause and entitlement to TDIU could not be established without current VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis was reopened and granted. Service connection for sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and hypertension were remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for retinitis pigmentosa was granted with an effective date of February 16, 1977 due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the March 31, 1977 rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during his active military service. The decision was made in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for updated VA examinations to determine the current nature and severity of her service-connected cervical spine disability, lumbosacral spine disability, left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied, but his claims for sleep apnea and GERD are granted. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for GERD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding no nexus between his current condition and active military service or his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's spouse is not blind or nearly so, but her deteriorating eyesight requires significant assistance from the Veteran and results in needing help to avoid hazards in their daily environment. The Board has granted special monthly compensation for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for gout, OSA, right leg disability, hypertension, and low back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral foot condition. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of lower back condition, sinus condition, and sleep apnea.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's pes planus is rated at 50% disabling.

The Veteran's chronic obstructive sleep apnea is granted as service connected. The Board also remanded the cases for additional examinations and rating determinations due to new evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected narcolepsy. His sleep disorder, claimed as obstructive sleep apnea and primary insomnia, is denied. The maximum disability rating of 80 percent for narcolepsy is granted.

The Board has found that further remand is required to obtain the Veteran’s VA treatment records for her cervical and lumbosacral strain conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was withdrawn, and his new and material evidence claim for sleep apnea was denied. His service connection claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder were also denied.,His claim for sleep apnea was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found no link between his current psychiatric disorders and his service.,The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder, including nightmares with an alcohol use disorder, were denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and sleep apnea, as these issues were not adequately addressed in previous VA examinations.