Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory conditions, sleep apnea, and asthma due to asbestos exposure. The claims are being returned for further development including verification of asbestos exposure in service and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has found that further development is needed for the claims of service connection for a back disorder, left lower extremity disorder, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's VA examinations have been conducted, but additional records from SSA are required to make an informed decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, specifically whether it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD ratings are denied. A TDIU effective date of May 1, 2008, but no earlier, was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is required to protect her from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the nature of his retinopathy, fatty liver disease, and other conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for fatty liver disease is also remanded as there is insufficient nexus opinion provided by the VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's sarcoidosis and sleep apnea are related to his active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes was denied. The issues of service connection for left shoulder disorder and right hip disorder, to include as due to the back disability, were remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, which is a substantial factor in causing his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis, left ankle strain, and low back disability were evaluated. The seborrheic dermatitis was found to not warrant a compensable rating due to its limited extent of affected skin.,For the left ankle strain, the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating as his range of motion remained within normal limits with no significant effects on occupation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The claims for hypertension are also remanded as no examinations have been conducted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea may be related to her service-connected asthma, but more evidence is needed for a final decision.

The claim of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is granted. The claim of a rating in excess of 10 percent for Service-connected Allergic Rhinitis is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, left leg sciatica, and lumbago need further examination and review due to new evidence added to the file.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected.,There is no clear and unmistakable evidence provided by VA to show that the Veteran's right hand or left hand osteoarthritis were aggravated during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for anorexia nervosa, finding no evidence of its onset during active service or a causal link to service-connected PTSD and/or migraines. The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at 30% prior to August 7, 2015, and increased to 70% thereafter.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of cold weather injuries and right hip cancer due to incomplete service treatment records. The appellant's lay statements will be considered, and a VA medical opinion will be obtained to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol and substance abuse disorder, a sleep disorder, and diabetes mellitus due to potential in-service exposure and/or other factors. The Veteran's personnel records indicate he served under 'very trying conditions' during his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of hypertensive vascular disease, service connection for respiratory disorder (sleep apnea), and right knee disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.