Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his combined rating is only 60 percent, which does not rise to the threshold needed. The Board found that there was no evidence of inability to work due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active military service and are related to his current diagnosis.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain was granted. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine condition, as a new VA examination is needed.

The Board denied service connection for Reye's Syndrome, sleep apnea, and hypertension as these conditions are not related to the Veteran's active duty service.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of Reye's Syndrome, sleep apnea, or hypertension during or within one year after separation from service.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if his back disability and sleep apnea are related to his military service.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and remanded issues related to increased ratings for hand and wrist disabilities and service connection for OSA.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but granted a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder effective August 8, 2014.

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and TDIU due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional remand is required to obtain a proper medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The issues include whether OSA was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and whether obesity, which may be related to his service-connected conditions, contributed to the development of OSA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, as there was no evidence of ankylosis or other symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gout due to insufficient medical opinions.,An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for hypertension was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and total disability due to individual unemployability. The remaining claims, including those related to bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, cervical spine disability, petit mal seizures, TBI, right ankle and knee disabilities, OSA, and an acquired psychiatric disability, are remanded as additional medical examinations or opinions are needed.

The Board remands the matter for an addendum opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, including its potential relationship to service-connected psychiatric medications.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, which is a condition that may be related to his service in Afghanistan where he was exposed to dust and smoke. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo another VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding no evidence that it was incurred in or caused by his active service and noting that there is no competent evidence linking the condition to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, fibromyalgia, and other joint disorders, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease, but granted a separate rating of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy as of September 12, 2014, and a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy as of June 4, 2019. The Board also denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right knee with degenerative joint disease and for right wrist injury residuals.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and obstructive sleep apnea is denied.