Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Veteran's throat cysts are granted as service-connected due to exposure to PM and burn pits in service.,The Veteran's asthma appeal is dismissed, with an effective date of January 30, 2015.

The Veteran's appeals for initial increased ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed. The appeal seeking service connection for a right knee condition, a right ankle condition, and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for lumbosacral strain has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, including a vocational rehabilitation evaluation that assesses the Veteran's current limitations and their effect on his ability to perform in his occupational field. The issue of entitlement to VR&E benefits is still pending.

The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep disturbances related to her service-connected shoulder disability. The opinion should clarify whether these disturbances constitute a separate disability entity or are merely manifestations of the shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations or evidence.,Specifically, the Veteran needs VA examinations for sinus issues, prostate issues, sleep apnea, acid reflux condition, acquired psychiatric disability (depression and/or anxiety), and gout.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a lack of an opinion regarding whether it is related to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, coronary artery disease, or major depressive disorder. The case will be returned for further examination and consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for mitral valve prolapse (MVP) due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by service. The cases of lumbosacral strain and left elbow tendinitis are remanded for new VA examinations, and the TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to unclear documentation of its onset and potential secondary service connection. The Veteran's service records indicate symptoms since at least the late 1980s, but a current diagnosis was not provided in the September 2019 VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep disorders, specifically obstructive sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder. The opinion is needed on whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's OSA, but not higher. The decision is based on recent objective medical evidence showing that the Veteran requires the use of a continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for other specified trauma or stressor-related disorder and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, shrinkage with fluid on the brain as secondary to PTSD with alcohol and marijuana use disorders, and sleep apnea have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD with alcohol and marijuana use disorders prior to February 24, 2015, has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and remanded several other issues including ear hearing loss, neck, upper back, lower back, bilateral knee, ankle arthritis, foot/toe disabilities, vertigo, Meniere's syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for scars of the left upper back, status post excision basal cell carcinoma is denied.,The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for contact dermatitis, distal index fingers of the bilateral hands and rosacea are remanded. The Veteran's facial scars are also remanded for review.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for rosacea prior to February 6, 2020; and a rating in excess of 30 percent since February 6, 2020 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for facial scars, residuals of treatment for basal cell carcinoma, prior to February 6, 2020; and a rating in excess of 10 percent since February 6, 2020 is remanded.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease. The Board found that there was no causal relationship between the Veteran’s current back disability and his military service, nor could it be linked to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all issues on appeal, and the Board dismissed them due to lack of specific error in determination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD may have aggravated his current obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and thus grants service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's nervous tics were found to be related to his service in the Southwest Asia theatre, and service connection for this condition is granted. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate medical opinion. The Veteran's sleep apnea is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a disability rating of 20 percent for his low back disability was granted. A subsequent claim for an increased rating to 40 percent, effective January 23, 2020, was also granted.