Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected adjustment disorder, finding that the evidence supports a causal link between the two conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran was awarded special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertensive cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, PTSD, tinnitus, hypertension, malaria, and hearing loss. The Board found that he required assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbosacral strain, and conjunctivitis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals on service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for asthma prior to October 2, 2018, and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for asthma from October 2, 2018, and thereafter. The appeal for TDIU is also dismissed. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted with a 20% rating from March 28, 2002, to October 14, 2014. A higher rating for the right ankle disability is denied after October 15, 2014. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and right shoulder arthritis are granted. The issue of service connection for a low back disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease, was aggravated by his military service and is therefore service-connected.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbosacral strain, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are less likely related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder degenerative joint disease and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected GERD, and therefore grants service connection for sleep apnea on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for a heart disability due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim of hypertension is denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claims of OSA, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, left hand and right hand disabilities, and left knee disability are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The appeal of entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is dismissed.,Entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for shortness of breath, bronchiectasis, and sleep apnea as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining clinical records of VA evaluations or treatment, a podiatry examination to assess left foot hallux valgus and right foot arthritis, and an addendum medical advisory opinion regarding obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The decision is based on evidence showing that the current condition is related to in-service symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not addressing a relevant medical history report and a VA examiner's opinion. A new examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and herniated disk at L4-5 and L5-S1 with intervertebral disc syndrome (IDVS) with impaired ejaculation and urinary hesitancy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with restless leg syndrome are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.