Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI), due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's back disability, sleep apnea, hypertension, and GERD have been granted service connection. The Veteran is now rated at 30% for his GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Thailand. Additional verification is needed, and any necessary VA medical opinions will be obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a TBI, and there is no current diagnosis of a chronic respiratory disability. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete medical records. The low back disability claim is also remanded as clarification on the nature and etiology of the condition is needed.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a TBI, and there is no current diagnosis of a chronic respiratory disability. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete medical records. The low back disability claim is also remanded as clarification on the nature and etiology of the condition is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted effective December 17, 2015. The Board found that the earlier claim of December 17, 2015, should be considered as the date of receipt of the claim.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and ulcerative colitis with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/hiatal hernia have been granted initial ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively, for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was not incurred in service and is unrelated to any other condition or exposure. The claim for service connection for OSA is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for a back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, was granted. Additionally, the Veteran received a 50 percent disability rating for pes planus with plantar fasciitis prior to March 22, 2022.,From March 22, 2022 onwards, the Veteran's request for a higher disability rating for pes planus with plantar fasciitis was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of sufficient information in the record regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability and/or PTSD. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical opinions on this issue.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of sleep apnea was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease and has determined that new and material evidence has been presented. The Veteran's tinnitus is also found to be incurred in service, but his obstructive sleep apnea is not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and sleep apnea due to insufficient opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during service. The VA must obtain additional medical evidence and provide a new opinion on whether the disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a breathing condition, low back disability, and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be secondary to his obstructive sleep apnea. His PTSD symptoms are rated at a 50% disability rating prior to September 19, 2018, and a 70% rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction due to conflicting evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and back disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issue of service connection for other specified depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims are pending further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded all claims for review by the AOJ due to additional medical evidence being associated with the claims file since the December 2018 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete documentation of his periods of active duty, inactive duty training, and potential exposure. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records and provide addendum opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as ethmoid sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, had its onset in service. The heart condition, obstructive sleep apnea, back condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded for further examination and opinion.