Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine has been granted at a 20 percent level. The ratings for her left and right knee disabilities have been remanded, as well as her claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and pelvic floor dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating was reasonably construed as including claims for service connection of multiple conditions. The effective date for the TDIU rating is set at November 4, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, which is associated with his service-connected PTSD, has been remanded due to the need for a new examination and the provision of additional private treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and memory loss/confusion due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his active duty.,Service connection was denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran's current conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbosacral degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion obtained in March 2020 is inadequate to adjudicate the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Veteran's OSA may not be related to his military service, and there are insufficient reasons provided by the examiner regarding the relationship between his service-connected disabilities and his OSA. Another medical opinion is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected disabilities. The VA examiner did not provide sufficient rationale for their opinions, and failed to consider the Veteran's lay statements and medical articles.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is not related to his military service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left hip condition is secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's service connection claims for breathing problems (sleep apnea), diabetes mellitus, type II, and left leg condition have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of these conditions.,For the right peroneal nerve impairment with foot drop, the Veteran was granted the highest possible schedular rating based on his existing disability. For the lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and right knee condition, the Veteran's claims were denied as there is no evidence that they are related to service.

The Board has determined that there is a medical nexus between the Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea and an in-service incurrence, thus granting service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions from the VA examiner regarding service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms and treatment records must be considered, including articles submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and requires further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during or is otherwise directly related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and is not otherwise related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination of the Veteran's spine and obtaining additional VA treatment records. The issues of entitlement to earlier effective dates and increased ratings remain part of this appeal.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sleep apnea due to incomplete medical records and need for additional opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain and left knee chondromalacia patella has been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's OSA was caused by his service-connected depressive disorder, and the Board has granted service connection for OSA.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, back disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The conditions are deemed to be related to service.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for hypothyroidism is denied. The claims for service connection of a left hip disability and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.