Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection claims for headache, acquired psychiatric disability, sleep disability (including sleep apnea and insomnia), and lumbar spine disability are all granted. The Board found that the Veteran has a current headache disability related to his active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, an acquired psychiatric disability likely due to service-connected TBI residuals, and a lumbar spine disability possibly related to a personal assault sustained during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service or service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. Service connection was not granted for OSA or an acquired psychiatric disability, and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding the Veteran's depression and epididymo-orchitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for disability of the thoracolumbar spine and sleep apnea due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The VA examiner concluded that OSA is not related to PTSD and did not find evidence of an in-service event or relationship.

The Veteran's costochondritis is rated as noncompensable, with no functional impairment noted on examination. The lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or other disabling symptoms.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied a compensable initial disability rating for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for memory loss disorder, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), eye disorder, thyroid disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The appeal is now pending again with the AOJ.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and prostate cancer were denied as not related to service. The Board found that the Veteran's GERD, gastritis, right ring finger injury, and foot disability are secondary to his service-connected sinusitis.,Service connection for these conditions is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, sleep apnea, diabetes, headaches, and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in active service and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's OSA, headaches, and right ankle fracture residuals are granted service connection as they are related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues of left shoulder condition and right shoulder condition are remanded for further review.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea must be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and chronic fatigue as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness are granted. The Veteran's fibromyalgia and memory loss are remanded for further examination.,Service connection is granted for sleep apnea, but the issues of service connection for chronic fatigue (as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness), fibromyalgia, and memory loss remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection for various conditions has been dismissed due to withdrawal. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease, cervical spine, is remanded.

The Veteran's left ankle instability and OSA have been granted service connection, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions related to bronchitis and sleep apnea are not sufficient, and thus remanded these issues for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for foot disorder, sleep apnea, and leukemia. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be related to his service-connected sinusitis and resultant nasal surgery, granting service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's service connection for OSA and acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and anxiety, is denied. However, the Veteran was granted a disability rating of 70% prior to July 10, 2019 for his acquired psychiatric disorder.