Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II due to insufficient evidence linking the two conditions.

The Veteran's left ankle disability with degenerative joint disease, along with her PTSD and sleep apnea, are rated at 20 percent each. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU due to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to missing records and incomplete information. The Veteran is asked to provide details about his treatment during service, including any epidural injections and sleep studies.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, finding the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,The Board also denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, concluding that it is less likely than not related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and/or TBI.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, hiatal hernia, gastritis, and bilateral breast fibrocystic condition, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 13, 2012. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, effective December 26, 2013. The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus has been granted a higher rating of 40 percent effective from December 16, 2016.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during service and the Board finds that it should be considered as having been incurred in service, granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and determination of service connection for TBI, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and sleep disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea and headache disability for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding their relationship to service, specifically whether they are related to the Veteran's hip disabilities or undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining claims of increased ratings for COPD, neck scar, and service connection for left ear hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease and chronic headache disability, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea as it is not related to the Veteran's military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for tuberculosis, lumbosacral strain, a skin condition affecting the entire body, and PTSD/Depressive Disorder have been granted. The claim for service connection for tuberculosis was reopened due to new evidence showing exposure during service. Service connection is established for lumbosacral strain and a skin disorder affecting the entire body. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and depressive disorder were also reopened.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability, sleep apnea, and TBI. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and headaches are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran’s claimed conditions as there is no credible evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and remanded it for further development. The issues of service connection for right hand, left hand disabilities, and sleep apnea have also been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right index finger disability, sleep apnea, and an increased rating for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease. The effective date for the award of service connection for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease is also being remanded.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be scheduled for VA examinations regarding his claims for obstructive sleep apnea and degenerative disc disease, both of which are secondary to service-connected hyperthyroidism. The examination results will determine if these conditions were present during or as a result of military service.