Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and cervical strain disabilities were denied increased ratings prior to the specified dates.,Effective date requests for TDIU and DEA benefits were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating prior to February 26, 2018 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for stress fracture of the right tibia was denied. The Board found that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5262 due to lack of malunion or other impairment affecting knee or ankle function. Service connection for lumbosacral strain as secondary to a right leg disability was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective April 1, 2011. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The Veteran's sleep apnea remains in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and the initial compensable disability rating for bulimia nervosa has been denied.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 100 percent for PTSD for the entire appeal period.,PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient reasoning and lack of adequate medical opinions. The issues include sleep apnea, diabetes, and a right knee condition all secondary to his service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's asthma was rated at 30% prior to October 17, 2011 and increased to 50% from that date. The Veteran is now receiving a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,Prior to September 13, 2013, the Veteran's asthma was rated at 30%, while sleep apnea with asthma was rated at 50%. From September 13, 2013 onwards, he is receiving a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a sleep disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea and REM sleep disorder. The issue of an increased rating for lumbar spine stenosis is remanded. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disorders is also remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The appeals for other conditions and issues were dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of sleep apnea and its relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as for VA examinations. The Veteran was not contacted by the RO to reschedule her previously scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed condition, specifically his in-service photosensitivity/light sensitivity.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sleep apnea did not originate in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran was granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning October 1, 2005. The appeal period began in June 2005 and the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for an award of TDIU during this entire period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to July 13, 2018 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for a low back disorder was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and heart disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset during service.

The Board denied service connection for OSA, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link to active duty service or secondary to any service-connected conditions. The Veteran's weight gain and obesity were also found not to be caused by his bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of posttraumatic headaches, IVDS, spinal stenosis, and lumbosacral strain have been denied as the evidence does not show that his symptoms meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD and has remanded the claim of right wrist disability.

The Veteran's claims for lumbosacral strain, cervical degenerative disc disease status post fusion, right upper and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis have been granted with effective dates of April 9, 2018.