Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Veteran's hypertension and sleep apnea are being remanded for additional examination and opinion. The initial compensable rating for genital warts is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, GAD, and panic disorder is granted. The claims for prostate cancer, back condition, right knee condition, and sleep disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated private treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a clinician to address service connection for respiratory disabilities, including as due to exposure to asbestos.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the issues remaining on appeal, including obtaining VA medical opinions and updating records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disability and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's statements and medical records indicate that his disabilities may be related to active duty, but further examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, and bilateral foot condition due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity (LUE), and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity due to new evidence received since the final denial in June 2015. The claims are remanded to obtain addendum opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining addendum opinions from an examiner.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent, and the Board denied an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 40 percent rating effective from June 19, 2018. Prior to that date, it was not compensable.

Service connection for Peripheral Arterial Disease of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for hypertension is granted, and he is now entitled to this benefit under the PACT Act.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss as secondary to TBI is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's current hearing loss in the right ear is proximately due to his service-connected TBI.

The Veteran's groin condition with scar is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings.,The Veteran's cerebral hemangioblastoma residuals with scar are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a toxic exposure screening.,The Veteran's pancreatitis, GERD, and cervical spine disability are being remanded as they are intertwined with his cerebral hemangioblastoma claim on appeal.,The Veteran's OSA is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's lymph node condition is being remanded due to the need for a VA toxic exposure screening.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, but dismissed the claims of service connection for skin disability and left knee/leg disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and issues related to service connection, causation, and aggravation of sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, obstructive sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis (claimed as allergies and allergy/sinusitis), and tinnitus are being remanded due to new evidence received since previous decisions.,The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea have been denied. The Board has also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for these conditions.,Additionally, several of the Veteran's existing disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected asthma, and if so, whether it is secondary or aggravated by the asthma.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to anxiety disorder, hypertension, and other disabilities.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of clear and unmistakable aggravation during service. The Veteran's representative requested additional development regarding his foot disability.