Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed because he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, a skin condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and ataxia due to exposure to harmful chemicals. The claims are now considered on their merits.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS was denied higher ratings, with the RO increasing the rating to 40 percent effective January 21, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected asthma and due to anatomical features such as obesity and a crowded oropharynx.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records since March 2020 and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate. The case is being returned due to the Veteran not appearing for a VA examination, and his failure to report for another appointment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercholesterolemia is denied as it does not represent a disability in and of itself.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain with spondylosis prior to October 22, 2019 and hypertension are remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to in-service events.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII) and psychiatric disorder are remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to in-service events.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner failed to consider relevant medical articles and did not address whether the Veteran's symptoms during service are related to his later diagnosed OSA.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's functional impairment from his service-connected disabilities, as he failed to report to previous examinations. The TDIU claim is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's migraines have been granted a 50% rating effective November 21, 2014. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and/or obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no persuasive evidence to support a finding of in-service onset or relationship.

The Veteran's right-hand finger disorder, claimed as numb fingers, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a link between the condition and active duty. The Board has remanded this issue for further development.,Obstructive sleep apnea remains rated at 50% based on use of CPAP machine; no higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, heart disability (irregular heartbeat), and eye disability due to exposure to hazardous chemicals during service. Additional development is needed, including obtaining updated treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an adequate etiology opinion regarding the onset and relationship of obstructive sleep apnea to service. The Veteran's lay statements about symptoms during service are considered, but the examiner must provide a reasoned medical opinion based on these statements.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) manifested during service and is related to service, granting service connection for OSA.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain. The appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is remanded due to lack of credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it did not have its onset during active service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service. The Board also found no evidence of a direct link between PTSD and sleep apnea.