Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and updated employment history.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims. The Board affirmed the denial of these claims in multiple decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his claimed conditions, including bladder cancer, abdominal aortic aneurysm, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea. The claims are being reviewed in light of potential herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to address the claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, head injuries, left eye welding burns, sleep disorders, low back disabilities, knee and ankle issues. The appeals are related to in-service exposure or other direct causes.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current condition is a result of his pre-existing service-connected sinusitis, rhinitis, and residuals of surgery performed during service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic kidney disease, diabetes, neuropathy in bilateral upper and lower extremities, Meniere's syndrome, and sleep apnea are all granted due to the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during his Vietnam service. The Board found that these conditions were related to his Agent Orange exposure and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA, calluses, and residuals of left lower extremity bone spur removal. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's disabilities had their onset during active duty.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient VA examinations and missing service records. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being evaluated for possible secondary to PTSD, and his left knee condition needs further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus was denied. The Veteran's service connection claims for spermatocele of the right epididymis and lumbosacral strain were granted.,An effective date earlier than August 18, 2015, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pulmonary disorder and sleep disorder other than sleep apnea due to additional development being required. The issues are related to service connection, with exposure to burn pits in Afghanistan considered.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for right and left shoulder disabilities, arm disabilities, elbow disabilities, depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, atrioventricular block, and migraine headaches. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about his SSA disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination in connection with the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar disorder, characterized as spondylosis and levoscoliosis. The Veteran's lumbar disorder was not incurred in or is otherwise related to active duty service.,The Board also denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and migraine headaches were granted with effective dates of April 30, 2018. Service connection was also granted for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD.,An initial compensable disability rating (50%) for migraine headaches on an extraschedular basis is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases in its decision, specifically regarding the lay evidence submitted by the Veteran and his wife. The claim will be reconsidered with additional development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's diagnoses and service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and remanded the remaining issues. The Veteran's claims are now pending before the RO.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for sleep apnea and COPD with left pleural reaction and bronchial asthma is dismissed. The Veteran's seborrheic eczema remains at a 60 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability during or immediately after service and concluding that his sleep apnea is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbosacral spine strain due to insufficient evidence in the record, including an outdated VA examination. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records and undergo another VA examination.