Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, OSA, and migraines due to insufficient evidence and conflicting statements from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claim for sleep apnea due to insufficient consideration of all relevant facts, including post-service treatment records showing continued sleep problems.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the July 2018 VA examination regarding the relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus, as well as the Veteran's assertion that obesity caused by service-connected diabetes mellitus may have contributed to his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient explanation in the previous decision regarding the Veteran's lay statements and VA examiner's opinion.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was granted service connection as the symptoms have been present since service and are consistent with his in-service manifestations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, nasal disorder (deviated septum), and obstructive sleep apnea have all been denied. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation for any of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as left and right upper extremity disabilities. Service connection for lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the effective dates are set at September 21, 2011. The Board has also remanded several issues related to lower extremity and hip disabilities due to lack of proper medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected headaches, residuals of a head injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to incomplete development of the record and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and headaches due to further development being required. For sleep apnea, a new medical opinion is needed to consider whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's condition was proximately due to or the result of his service-connected TMJ with bruxism. For headaches, a new medical opinion is needed to determine if they are directly incurred in service or aggravated by his service-connected TMJ with bruxism.

The Board has found that remand is necessary due to the need for additional VA examinations and the possible existence of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for an updated VA opinion on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, right knee tendonitis, and left knee tendonitis are being remanded for further examination to determine their current severity.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, and denied service connection for a left shoulder disability.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, specifically addressing his wife's statements and whether his service-connected depression aggravated his condition.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), as well as service connection for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and hypertension are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle arthritis, sleep apnea, and headaches.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on the evidence showing they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a cervical spine disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an updated VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome due to environmental exposure in the Persian Gulf, as well as his claim for an increased rating for service-connected right shoulder rotator cuff. The appeals are remanded because the VA examinations did not adequately address the etiology and pathophysiology of the Veteran’s sleep apnea.