Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities or obesity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability. However, these issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of vertigo, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claim for increased ratings for a right ankle disability is also in remand status.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not considered in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as the evidence is at least in equipoise that it manifested during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been reopened and granted. The appeal is also remanded for further development regarding SMC on the basis of regular need for aid and attendance, housebound rate, and specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, had its onset during active service and has persisted since then. The Board finds that the evidence supports this conclusion and grants service connection for the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active service, particularly given his reported symptoms and exposure in Somalia.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and OSA, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or chronicity of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of April 10, 2017 for a 10% disability rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and his claim for secondary service connection to sleep apnea due to service-connected allergic rhinitis is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his condition became manifest during active duty and is related to in-service symptoms. The appeal was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, and the appeal is granted to this extent only. Service connection for coronary artery disease has also been granted. The claims for increased rating for PTSD prior to December 27, 2019 and thereafter are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues for increased ratings, and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA medical records, conduct examinations, and consider the claims in light of new evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his active service.,Service connection was remanded for diabetes mellitus type II due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and PTSD. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as related to active service. The remaining issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and sleep apnea, finding that a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's active duty included periods as an aircraft mechanic and in Turkey.

The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory conditions are related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's new or additional disabilities, including diverticulitis and anastomotic leak complications, were caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA during his June 1, 2010 sigmoidectomy at Huntington VAMC. The Board found that these disabilities were proximately caused by VA treatment and granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea syndrome secondary to service-connected exercised-induced asthma. However, the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus is denied as there is no evidence of aggravation during active duty.