Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of sleep apnea has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbosacral spine is granted a 40% disability evaluation for the period from September 18, 2018 to October 3, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied. The Board found that the current evidence does not support a finding that his sleep apnea began during service or was related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. His right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome and degenerative arthritis are also remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active-duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, rendering the appeal moot. The Board dismissed this issue as there is no justiciable issue before it.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment from May 31, 2007 to March 6, 2009. For the appeal period prior to May 31, 2007, his service-connected conditions alone were sufficient to preclude substantial gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions obtained on remand are inadequate for the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle sprain residuals. The claims must be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, COPD, and a heart condition have been reopened. A rating of 20 percent has been granted for his lumbar spine disability since June 14, 2018.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spondylosis and lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are due to an in-service fall.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleeping disorder, including sleep apnea and insomnia, finding that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Veteran's symptoms are associated with his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea, specifically related to his exposure during active duty. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he had nasal obstruction and its onset in service, as well as whether his current sleep apnea is related to his period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation regarding whether the Veteran's heart condition is related to his chest pains in service and if it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, intestinal disorder, and right ear hearing loss due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right foot spurs, and degenerative arthritis of the spine (back disability) due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete private medical records.

The Veteran's breathing problems and sleep apnea are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder during or after service.,Ulcerative colitis is not related to service. The Veteran had an acute episode in 1983 but no chronic condition was found during or after service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for epidermolysis bullosa, PTSD, and a sleep disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The Board will consider whether her conditions were aggravated by in-service events.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral disc bulge at L5-S1, migraine headaches, and hypothyroidism status post thyroidectomy (GOITER) as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA regulations. The Veteran did not have a bilateral hearing loss disability or ankylosis for the purposes of rating her lumbosacral disc bulge at L5-S1. Her migraine headaches were rated 30 percent disabling, and her hypothyroidism was rated 10 percent disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea but remanded the issue of service connection for a skin condition due to lack of medical nexus evidence.