Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence and need for further examination of the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's OSA is related to service or his service-connected PTSD and/or left shoulder disability, as well as whether these conditions are aggravated by them.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain and lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis as due to Gulf War exposures, but has remanded the issue of secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related to service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that there is no evidence of OSA or any sleep complaints during active service. The condition was first suspected many years after separation and diagnosed by polysomnography in May 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea. The addendum opinion should consider the lay evidence and private opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with ED and cataracts. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea, including its secondary relationship to the above conditions, is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this need. The issue of SMC based on housebound status is moot due to the grant of SMC for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military duties as a parachutist and mechanic.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 29, 2019, for service connection of hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic cardiomyopathy with supraventricular arrhythmia and valvular heart disease (Post-CABG, Post-MVR) has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbosacral strain is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's spine and hand disabilities are remanded for additional development, including obtaining service records and medical opinions to address the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from February 20, 2013, to October 16, 2018.

The Board has found the VA Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) review inadequate to support the decision that the Veteran is not eligible for PCAFC benefits. The case is remanded for a new medical review considering all pertinent evidence, including recent assessments of the Veteran's care needs.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's attorney is entitled to additional fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the May 2018 decision.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension and OSA for additional opinions to determine if they are related to service-connected conditions or exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's eligibility for service connection on these theories is also under review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as its relationship to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred during his active service and continues to exist today, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for fatigue, finding that the Veteran's reported fatigue is a symptom of his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted under the PACT Act. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.