Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was granted, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety) was also granted. The Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea and its secondary effects on CAD is remanded.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine whether the Veteran's sleep disturbances are separate disabilities from her service-connected shoulder disability or merely manifestations of it, and to clarify this in the rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, right foot disability (pes planus), and left foot disability (pes planus) due to incomplete evaluations from VA. The Veteran is directed to be scheduled for further examinations by VA to determine the nature of his disabilities and their relationship to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also not entitled to service connection based on exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain from March 1, 2011 to January 28, 2020 was denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent thereafter was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a clarification opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is secondary to his service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further examination. The issues of low back condition, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea and/or insomnia), and acquired psychiatric disorder remain unresolved.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertensive heart disease, thrombosis, TIA, or cerebral infarction, and hypertension. The claims are remanded for further development.,Service connection for these conditions is granted based on new medical opinions linking them to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep disability and fibromyalgia due to incomplete examinations and insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional information about her conditions, including any relevant exposure history.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is granted, effective January 26, 2011. The Veteran also has service connection established for PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and does not result from or aggravate his service-connected lung disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and TDIU due to unclear reasoning in previous decisions. The Veteran's insomnia is found to be a symptom of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to her service-connected disabilities, specifically her obesity caused or aggravated by those disabilities. The examiner must address whether the Veteran experienced central apneic episodes and whether muscle relaxants have aggravated her sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claim for peripheral vestibular disorder and TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues of service connection for coronary artery disease and respiratory condition are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by his active military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's motion to vacate its May 2, 2019 decision on his claims for obstructive sleep apnea and occipital neuralgia. The issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased rating in excess of 60 percent for restrictive airway disease are remanded.