Sleep apnea decisions — 2022

The claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain was not reopened, and the appeal is denied. The claims for right foot heel spurs, GERD, and twisted left ankle disability are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in its previous decisions, including failing to provide a VA medical opinion and not meeting the duty to assist. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is now being reconsidered.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate consideration of the evidence in a previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding service connection for COPD and OSA, as well as obesity and its relation to OSA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is etiologically related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for OSA.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's service connection and rating for various conditions, including PTSD with alcohol and marijuana use disorders, shrinkage with fluid on the brain, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's OSA and ED are not found to be related to his military service or any service-connected disability, leading to a denial of the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and its relation to service, specifically his conceded herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of adequate rationale in previous opinions, requiring new medical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for prostatocystitis, left hip disorder, erectile dysfunction (ED), and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, vitamin D deficiency, blood disorder, Lyme disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, and bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to active duty. The Board considered various medical opinions and found them insufficient or not relevant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current headache disability for service connection purposes.,The Veteran's respiratory condition other than sleep apnea is also not established as a current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the current severity of his service-connected back, lower extremity radiculopathies, shin splints, and knee disabilities. The claim for GERD is also remanded for an addendum opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disability, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and fibromyalgia due to incomplete VA treatment records from 2003 to 2005. The Veteran's claim is back before the Board for further consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions in a previous VA examination and unclear reasoning. The Veteran's claim for service connection of his back disability is being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are rated at 40 percent from December 7, 2018 to his death. The other conditions have been granted initial ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for urinary problems, SMC based on aid and attendance of the Veteran, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded as there is a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his urinary problems.