Sleep apnea decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his condition began in service or is related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the rating for lumbosacral strain from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective March 1, 2015 was not proper and has ordered a remand for further evaluation of the Veteran's condition.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to PTSD with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder due to lack of evidence supporting a causal relationship.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, which is granted as TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 15, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant treatment records and schedule an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected disabilities is granted. The rating for his back disability is restored from a non-compensable evaluation to 20% effective November 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and anxiety as secondary to left spontaneous pneumothorax due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been partially granted, with some issues being granted while others were denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no competent evidence linking his current diagnosis to service or any other compensable condition.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea, left and right foot conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions are not currently decided.

The Board has dismissed the appeals concerning higher disability ratings for lumbosacral strain with facet arthritis, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and degenerative joint disease of the left knee. The appeal regarding eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance was also dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for various service-connected disabilities, including psychiatric disorders, carpal tunnel syndromes, and respiratory issues, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The appeals will be reconsidered based on new evidence and a thorough review of the Veteran's service records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her claim of entitlement to a total disability rating on the basis of individual unemployability (TDIU) based on service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's notice of disagreement (NOD) regarding the January 2016 rating decision was timely filed due to VA not following its regular mailing practices and sending the notification letter to the incorrect representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and his lumbar spine disability due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the nature of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hay fever and sleep apnea, as they are intertwined. The appellant's statements about his allergy symptoms during active duty training (ACDUTRA) need to be considered in determining whether there was aggravation beyond its natural progression.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's sleep disorder preexisted service and if so, whether it was aggravated by service. The VA is instructed to obtain any missing records related to the sleep disorder and provide an addendum opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's psoriasis is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence, thus granting service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence, resulting in denial of service connection.,The Veteran's migraines are aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence, leading to the grant of service connection for this condition.