Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, but has remanded the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to diabetes and PTSD.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is not caused or aggravated by her service-connected right knee disability.,Obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by the Veteran’s active duty military service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is caused in part by the Veteran's obesity, which was caused by his service-connected persistent depressive disorder and knee disorders.

The Veteran's headaches, heart condition, and memory loss were not found to be related to service.,Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in September 2018 but its etiology remains unclear.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for respiratory and sleep disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, PTSD, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left shoulder dyskinesis, eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance, and a special home adaptation grant. The appeals are pending further development.

The Veteran's claim for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, insomnia with anger issues, sleep apnea, and gall bladder surgery has been denied. The claims for stiffness and slowness of movement and tremors (previously claimed as Parkinson’s disease) are remanded.,The Veteran's service connection claims have resulted in mixed decisions: some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to a lack of response from the Veteran regarding his claims for increased ratings. The case is being returned to the RO for further attempts to contact the Veteran and reschedule examinations.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was first diagnosed in service and the VA examiner concluded that it had its onset during this period. Therefore, the claim for OSA is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection is now granted.

The Board has granted effective dates of January 16, 2013 for the grants of service connection and evaluations for hypertension, right ankle sprain, right rotator cuff tear, and lumbosacral strain. The claim for PTSD remains denied as there is no evidence showing it existed prior to December 19, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain due to insufficient evidence, including missing service treatment records and incomplete medical history.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea may be service connected as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, but requires additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability and a higher rating for PTSD were denied. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU). The evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions that his current mental health symptoms were related to service or that he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, sleep apnea, kidney condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) have been reopened. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for asbestos related pleural plaques (claimed as asbestosis) was denied, and instead a higher rating of 50% for sleep apnea was granted. The decision reflects the severity of the overall disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches and tinnitus. His migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective August 8, 2014. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea, back condition, left foot condition, right foot condition, and high blood pressure are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of various extremities and psychiatric conditions. The claims for increased ratings are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran needs to be examined by VA to determine if his condition is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected GERD.