Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable rating for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.,Multiple issues related to hearing loss, eye injuries, back disorders, sciatica, foot problems, shoulder conditions, sleep apnea, hypertension, liver and kidney disorders, respiratory conditions, skin conditions, and athlete's foot have been identified. The Veteran will be scheduled for further evaluations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional medical opinions and to obtain relevant records, including from Social Security Administration (SSA). The issues include service connection for various conditions such as right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, flat feet, edema, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, headache disorder, head injury residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than insomnia.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, asthma, and insomnia disabilities are all granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for OSA, as well as rating issues related to hip and knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with a prior remand directive, specifically addressing whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner that addresses these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal was timely filed, granting his claims for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with facet arthropathy and a TDIU claim due to inadequate examinations and unclear employment history.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and scheduling VA examinations.

Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a lung disability other than asthma or obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for lumbosacral strain service connection is denied.,Service connection for left hip condition and respiratory condition (COPD) are both denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea as they need more information and evidence before making a decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and higher ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeals.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for IBS prior to June 19, 2018, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter has been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for left hip arthritis, groin disorder manifested by pain, and tinnitus. The Veteran is awaiting additional VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his reduced sense of smell, obstructive sleep apnea, and hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation on the issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, right foot disability (including bunion), and OSA.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with remand directives and thus the cases are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral spondylosis, lumbar radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, and arthritis, finding that it had its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's OSA, as well as service connection for this condition. The RO will also readjudicate the issue.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations, and additional examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 21, 2016 to April 26, 2021. From April 26, 2021, the issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot as he is already in receipt of a combined schedular evaluation of 100 percent.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for a new examination. The issue of service connection for her back condition is also remanded.