Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right hip disability, migraine headaches, and left hip disability due to insufficient development. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability remains at a 20 percent rating based on current evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise and establishes a relationship between the condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's back disability, specifically lumbosacral strain degenerative disc disease (DDD) and disc protrusion (IVDS), is rated at 40 percent prior to March 1, 2021, and a higher rating of 40 percent thereafter. Additionally, the Veteran has been granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain disability was rated at 40 percent from March 20, 2008. The appeal for a higher rating is denied as the disability did not manifest in unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, as well as a review of the existing evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a neck disability due to potential issues with causation and aggravation of these conditions by his service-connected PTSD or heart disability. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for a sleep disability and an acquired psychiatric disability have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Parkinson's Disease, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A), and TDIU due to issues with the August 1954 service treatment notation regarding a nose injury. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his Parkinson's Disease being related to this in-service injury and also secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck conditions due to new evidence. However, the claims are still pending as they have been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and reopening of service connection due to new evidence added to the record.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), high blood pressure, lumbar spine pain, and bilateral rotator cuff disorders due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a urinary disability (LUTS) and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that these conditions are aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thyroid disability and sleep apnea, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure. The thyroid disability is linked to radiation and chemical exposure, while the sleep apnea is found to be secondary to the thyroid disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, OSA, and hypertension as secondary to service-connected disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision.

An effective date earlier than September 28, 2020, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.,An initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral strain were granted with an effective date of January 19, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an updated VA examination regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, which was related to his service in Kuwait and exposure to burn pits.