Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The cervical spine disorder, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for recurrent lumbosacral strain is denied as the disability is not service-connected and does not warrant an increase in rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and outstanding private treatment records. The Veteran needs a new VA examination and assistance in obtaining his medical records.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disabilities have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea symptoms more nearly approximated the criteria for a 30 percent rating from December 1, 2013 to July 8, 2014. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for clarification of the March 2019 VA examination report.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, are found to be of such severity that they preclude his ability to maintain substantially gainful employment. The TDIU rating is granted. However, the issue of a higher rating for the back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected back condition, stating he was satisfied with the current disability rating and payment amount.

The Veteran's chronic low back disorder with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, IVDS (Intervertebral Disc Syndrome), and spinal stenosis is currently rated at 40 percent prior to January 20, 2021.,A separate rating of 10 percent for sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity from October 5, 2006 has been granted.,A separate rating of 10 percent for sciatic radiculopathy of the right lower extremity from May 3, 2007 has also been granted.

The Veteran's service connection for sleep apnea is granted, and his right ankle sprain disability rating is maintained at 10 percent. The Board also grants the Veteran a TDIU based on his combined service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle osteoarthritis and lumbosacral strain have been remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

Service connection has been granted for pes planus of the right foot and left foot. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, and ingrown toenail are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from following or maintaining substantial gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU. Additionally, the Veteran has been found to have a total and permanent disability by reason of his service-connected disabilities for purposes of the grant of DEA benefits.

Service connection is granted for headaches and erectile dysfunction. Obstructive sleep apnea remains under review.,The Veteran's current headaches, erectile dysfunction, and obstructive sleep apnea are all being reviewed by the VA.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's ability to work.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.