Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic lymphocytic leukemia was reinstated, effective from September 1, 2018.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder. The claims for degenerative arthritis of the shoulders and cervical spine DDD are remanded due to lack of a VA examination. The claim for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is inextricably intertwined with the cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, left frozen shoulder, and hypertension. The claim for PTSD was also denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition in accordance with VA regulations.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP and right knee strain, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is now granted for these conditions as secondary to service-connected left knee patellar/quadriceps tendon rupture.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to November 10, 2014 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to issues related to his cervical spine disability and OSA. Service connection for the cervical spine disability remains on appeal, as does a request for an increased rating. The service connection for OSA secondary to PTSD also needs further evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and left knee strain. The right shoulder disorder claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine disability due to incomplete development. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck condition and hyperparathyroidism. The neck condition claim is denied, while the endocrine system claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension and sleep apnea are granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,A disability evaluation of 60 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted from July 23, 2018.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet, lumbar spine arthritis and bony spurs at multi-levels of lumbosacral spine with lumbar stenosis, and right leg disorder (rheumatoid arthritis).,There is no evidence showing a current diagnosis or in-service injury that would support the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis, finding that there is no medical relationship between his current back condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA and respiratory disorders due to inadequate opinions on causation and aggravation by service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and right knee degenerative joint disease.,Remaining claims of service connection are being remanded due to outstanding Social Security Administration medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD and CAD. The case is being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left hand disorder and its relationship to service. The decision on sleep apnea remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, including considering potential burn pit exposure and aggravation by service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's OSA and GERD and his service, as well as secondary service connection for IBS. Additional VA examinations are needed.