Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents while serving aboard the U.S.S. Mispillion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to Gulf War exposure. The VA is required to provide a new opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and opinions regarding the etiology of his autoimmune deterioration, skin cancers, and facial surgery.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not shown to be causally related to an in-service event. The Board also finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his period of service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, notably his bilateral knee disabilities, prevent him from substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his work experience as a laborer. The Board finds entitlement to TDIU granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for vitamin D deficiency, left inguinal strain, elevated liver enzymes, right anterior diaphragmatic eventration, and sleep apnea. The appeals for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, both secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board requested a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service or specifically to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for sleep apnea and initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for left and right vagus nerve dysfunction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was not enough evidence to support a link between his current condition and military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand tendonitis and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Mellitus Type II (DMII) to include Metabolic Syndrome are both denied. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The evidence submitted since the March 2017 rating decision did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim of sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected sino-bronchial asthma syndrome. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion from a physician and ensure all relevant records are obtained.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his back disability was denied. From October 26, 2006, he received a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and another 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions and requests for additional records. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being reviewed again, including a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip condition, right hip condition, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, bronchiectasis (also claimed as bronchitis), and asthma have been remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The claims are currently pending with the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep disorders and a neck disability due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.