Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that new and material evidence was received since the last denial in March 2013. The decision is based on the Veteran's testimony and his spouse's statement regarding symptoms during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (claimed as sleep disturbance) are remanded due to incomplete consideration of the issues, including a lack of an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. The claim for secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a skin disorder due to new evidence submitted since the final denial of these claims. However, the claim for sleep apnea remains denied as it is not related to active service or service-connected PTSD.,The claim for a skin disorder was remanded by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is likely related to his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional examinations and development to address the issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral foot condition, headaches, dermatitis, and a claimed sinusitis. The Veteran will be provided with VA medical examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to conflicting dates of service and incomplete records. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and sinus condition are being reviewed, with a focus on obtaining all relevant medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs to be reexamined for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as an additional VA etiology opinion for his obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, small Haglund deformities, and hammer toes are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for sleep apnea due to inadequate medical evidence and a need for additional examination.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there was no evidence showing it began during or was caused by the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding whether obstructive sleep apnea is related to service, and whether it was caused or aggravated by asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, lumbar strain, left knee strain and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service or his service-connected PTSD and/or TBI.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism caused his obesity, which in turn caused his obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner is required to address these questions and provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to hazardous materials and the relationship between his claimed conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea and GERD for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a separate compensable disability rating for neurological abnormalities associated with his low back disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an opinion by a VA examiner regarding the relationship between his current obstructive sleep apnea and service. The initial rating for major depressive disorder remains granted at 70 percent effective August 29, 2012, and TDIU is granted effective July 1, 2015.