Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right and left ear hearing loss, degenerative arthritis in the arms, elbows, legs, sleep apnea, colon disorder, corns on the feet, fibromyalgia, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran was not diagnosed with any of these conditions during or after his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and sleep apnea due to inextricably intertwined issues and potential exposure to environmental hazards. The AOJ is instructed to conduct further development as outlined.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea and hypertension should be remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a finding that it was incurred or aggravated by military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish that the condition is secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and denied service connection for keloid scars of the right arm, left ear, and chest. The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was granted, and the effective date is set at April 16, 2007. The claims for PTSD and headaches were also granted with an effective date of April 16, 2007. However, the Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his right elbow disability remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep disturbances, as there are missing military records and further efforts to obtain them would be futile. The Veteran was exposed to Gulf War service but his STRs and MPRs were not fully obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination to address the Veteran's claim of memory loss as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea likely began during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (atriial arrythmias) as these conditions are not related to military service, including herbicide exposure.,Both the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation/atriial flutter (atriial arrythmias) were found to be unrelated to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus may be related to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, and thus remands for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a direct or secondary relationship to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Apnea due to unclear reasoning regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service personal assault stressor. The examiner must address potential markers of PTSD and opine on the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea. The case will be reviewed again with new opinions on whether the condition was secondary to his service-connected conditions or if it had a direct relationship to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and sinusitis due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is not service connected for alcohol abuse, but his posttraumatic stress disorder with major depression may be aggravated by alcohol use.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported in-service injuries and current symptoms. The claims will be remanded to allow for these evaluations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The claim will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension (presumptive due to herbicide exposure), bilateral knee strain, acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and lumbar strain are all denied. The Veteran's claim for residuals of a left shoulder injury is remanded.,Service connection for the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied.