Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Veteran's left shoulder disability and right shoulder disability are granted service connection. The claim for OSA is remanded as the VA examiner did not provide a secondary service connection opinion related to his now service-connected bilateral shoulder condition.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's back disability, finding that after resolving reasonable doubt in his favor, he exhibits forward flexion to 30 degrees during a flare-up. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his military service and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and OSA due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with a prior remand directive and an insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to lack of evidence supporting episodes of incapacitating IVDS.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes and bilateral sciatic nerve condition are granted service connection. The hernia condition and cervical strain issues remain pending for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development and need for a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during her period of service or was otherwise caused by her service.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in the previous decision and a need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it was not caused by or related to active service, including as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder and major depressive disorder, is granted service connection. The issues of entitlement to service connection for OSA, kidney stones, type 2 diabetes mellitus, a back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a retrospective medical opinion on the Veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to April 13, 2016, and for consideration of entitlement to SMC.

The Veteran's asthma with OSA is rated at 50 percent, and his depression is rated at 70 percent prior to June 22, 2012. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted from July 27, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a skin condition and a heart condition due to potential exposure to Agent Orange. Additional development is needed, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's conceded exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for OSA, and remands the case for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to include as secondary to coronary artery disease (CAD), and tinnitus due to inadequate examination reports and procedural issues. A new VA examination is required for each issue.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined for sleep apnea and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence in their claims. The VA will provide medical opinions on whether these conditions are related to service.