Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be service connected due to in-service herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded the claims for restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, a digestive disorder, and dermatitis due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a scheduling error for his requested Decision Review Officer hearing, and requests for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depressed mood, is rated at 50 percent. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim has been remanded due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and for aggravation of a preexisting back disability. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are related to or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and skin condition are denied. The issues of service connection for these conditions, as well as the TDIU claim prior to September 6, 2016, are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a psychiatric disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete examinations and lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.,Additional development is needed for the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability. The Board finds that an opinion regarding whether the Veteran was disciplined as a result of a fight while in-service and sent to the brig for 45 days as a result is necessary, as well as obtaining all relevant VA and private treatment records.,The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete examinations and lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions. The issue of TDIU must be deferred until after the outcome of the claims for service connection.,The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and housebound benefits. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the claims for service connection.,The Board has remanded the claim for SMC and TDIU. These derivative claims must be deferred until after the outcome of the claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with his sleep disorder, headaches, and psychiatric condition. The appeals are intertwined as they all relate to conditions that were not definitively resolved during previous reviews.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his current condition had its onset during active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the condition did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to service. The Board also denied service connection for hypertension, finding no evidence of a link between the condition and in-service exposure or service-connected disabilities.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not considered directly related to his service-connected PTSD, and his hypertension is not linked to herbicide exposure or any other service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain from December 30, 2008 to July 6, 2017, finding that the evidence did not show functional impairment equivalent to forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Board denied service connection for diverticulosis, back condition, neck condition, and endometriosis as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to service.