Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective May 13, 2019. His right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, lung disorder, chronic kidney disease, actinic keratosis, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, hypertension, sleep apnea, and hepatitis C are all denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a rating in excess of 10 percent for his lower back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is not otherwise related to active duty service. The Board denied the claim of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include heart conditions, lung conditions, and reopening of previously denied neck, back, and hand condition claims.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for rosacea from July 1, 2014 to March 5, 2019 is remanded. The claim for a higher rating beginning March 6, 2019 is also remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for extra-schedular ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the assigned schedular criteria adequately described his disability picture, with no interference with employment or frequent hospitalization.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected lumbosacral spine with invertebral disc syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a review of the September 2019 VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as the evidence did not establish that it began during active service or was related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims, with the benefit of doubt given in favor of the Veteran regarding his current disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a sleep disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for obstructive sleep apnea due to a lack of a medical nexus opinion, and thus requires further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran had symptoms of OSA in service and if these represent the onset of later diagnosed OSA.

The Veteran was granted service connection for dizziness as secondary to medication taken for his service-connected degenerative disc disease.,An effective date of August 1, 2013, is assigned for the increased rating of 20 percent for left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claims for an increased rating for the right ankle disorder and service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder was denied as no new and material evidence had been received.,Service connection for sleep apnea was denied because there is no evidence of an in-service injury or a nexus between current sleep apnea and service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, as the evidence shows that symptoms of sleep apnea began during active service and have continued since then.

The Board has determined that more development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and a right knee disability. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and analysis.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active duty service and resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and need for further examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not decided at this time.