Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons or bases in its October 2020 decision, specifically regarding the need for VA treatment records and compliance with the duty to assist. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service. The Veteran reported experiencing symptoms during service, but the VA examiner found no evidence of sleep problems in STRs. However, the Veteran provided lay statements indicating he experienced symptoms during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examinations for his service-connected persistent depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board requires a new examination to assess the severity of his persistent depressive disorder, determine if it caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea, and whether he became obese due to his service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the service connection claims for various disabilities, including hydrocephalus and its related conditions. The remand will allow for further examination and opinion regarding whether any of these conditions were caused or aggravated by events during active service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that the Veteran's OSA was not incurred during or as a result of his military service and is not secondary to, or aggravated by, any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and arthritis have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, right shoulder condition, back condition, left shoulder condition, hearing loss, and lung condition. The reasons given were that there was no evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection and ratings in excess of the assigned percentages for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, PTSD, CAD, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the onset or etiology of these conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating for OSA was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, while the left shoulder disability was also denied due to lack of evidence showing symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic respiratory illness and a back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA sleep apnea examination. The Veteran's OSA may be associated with his active duty, but further investigation is needed.

The Veteran's claims for depressive disorder, sleep apnea, and growths on the lips and tongue have been granted. The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than a depressive disorder and a generalized anxiety disorder), dental problems with receding gums, cervical spine condition, and lumbar spine condition are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back disability was denied because he failed to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause, and the issue cannot be granted without such an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected PTSD due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's sleep apnea began during his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability, right and left lower extremity disabilities, and peripheral neuropathy have required the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has remanded several issues related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, depressive disorder rating, and TDIU due to inadequate medical opinions and missing VA treatment records.