Sleep apnea decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, bilateral ankle sprain, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, restless leg syndrome, and sinus bradycardia as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Board also remanded several issues including service connection for bilateral hip strain, initial rating for lumbar spine sprain, initial rating for left leg shin splints, initial rating for right leg shin splints, and initial rating for left knee sprain.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of sleep apnea and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support a relationship between the Veteran's current sleep apnea and his in-service facial fracture.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA, depression, lumbar spine DJD, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE), and condyloma acuminatum due to inconsistencies in medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that it was incurred during her active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis and sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted as the condition is found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as it is at least as likely as not that the condition began during or is related to the Veteran's period of active service.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the condition had its onset during active duty service in Iraq.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected non-displaced fracture superior nasal spine, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, and chronic cephalgia were all increased. A TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted based on his symptoms. The right hip disorder and/or right knee arthritis are also being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential in-service assault and other medical issues. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric, lumbar spine, and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea, bilateral upper and lower extremity arthritis, respiratory condition, other than a deviated septum, and skin cancer, all allegedly related to cold injuries in Korea. The Veteran is presumed to have suffered from such injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric condition, including as secondary to sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted a temporary total disability rating for convalescence following back surgeries from April 17, 2014 to July 3, 2014. The issues of whether reductions in the ratings for left shoulder disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were proper are remanded due to new relevant VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA, a skin disability, and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA is required to obtain new medical opinions from physicians addressing the etiology of these conditions in relation to herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported, but further evidence is needed regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and lumbosacral strain, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).