Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, and sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Appellant is requested to undergo further examinations to provide a clear opinion on whether his conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension should be reopened and remanded. The other issues are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a nexus between his in-service treatment for insomnia and any current insomnia.,Service connection for OSA as secondary to a service-connected disability, specifically insomnia, is also denied. The Veteran's post-service medical records do not provide a positive nexus regarding the onset or relationship of his current OSA to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and myasthenia gravis due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, specifically obstructive sleep apnea, and for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability. The Veteran asserts that his sleep disorders are related to active service, including Gulf War environmental hazards exposure, and his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. A new VA examination is required to determine the etiology of these conditions.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of spine is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hip pain, to include secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of spine is remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea, to include secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of spine is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding the cause of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was previously denied due to lack of a diagnosis. The evidence received since the last denial includes new diagnoses and lay statements, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's SMC claims are remanded for further development and adjudication, including a VA examination to determine the extent of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine surgery was related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Board granted a temporary total disability rating for convalescence following the surgery and a 40 percent evaluation for the period from March 12, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed sleep disorder, including sleep apnea. The Veteran's STRs show he has always experienced sleep issues.

The Veteran's claims for a right wrist disability, left ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found no current disabilities for these conditions.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a sleeping disorder associated with PTSD has also been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service. The case will be reviewed with a new examiner who must provide more detailed reasoning and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disability due to incomplete medical records and inconsistent reports of symptoms. A new VA examination is needed to determine if her current condition is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, GERD, and a skin disability of the feet due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide additional evidence regarding her symptoms during service.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for kidney cancer and its related conditions, as well as the issue of TDIU. The Veteran's claim for a separate neurological rating associated with his lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis is also being addressed.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is granted. An increased rating of 90 percent for the residuals, total hip replacement, is also granted. The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling due to limitation of flexion and extension. Special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's OSA is related to his in-service exposure and whether it is caused or aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and remanded the issue of service connection for a pulmonary condition, to include lung nodules.