Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit based on evidence showing a link between his in-service symptoms and his current condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for a dental condition, inguinal hernia, irritable bowel condition (IBS), and skin rashes. The remaining issues of service connection for a chronic joint condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and skin cancer are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a psychiatric disability, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are being remanded because a medical opinion is required regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA and PTSD, as well as her claim for an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran will need to undergo further examinations and evaluations to determine if she meets the criteria for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining a new medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 5, 2019. The Veteran's pericarditis is currently service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for migraine headaches and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for sleep apnea and a heart condition, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and service, as well as its secondary relationship with his service-connected tinnitus and allergic rhinitis. The VA examiner is requested to provide a more detailed opinion on causation and aggravation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The effective dates were not granted earlier than July 25, 2016, as there was no indication of a claim prior to that date. Increased ratings were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions, hemorrhoids, migraines, and sleep apnea. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's current symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, status post right knee replacement, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to the Veteran's in-service injuries and chronic symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and consideration of her claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims for tinnitus, sleep apnea, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and right foot hallux valgus due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development, including obtaining TERA examinations under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and OSA due to secondary service-connected conditions, specifically allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The VA medical opinions are inadequate as they do not address all relevant factors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The case will be reviewed again with a focus on the nature, etiology, and potential causes of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his periods of active-duty service.,Service connection is also granted for OSA, with a remand required due to inadequate medical opinion addressing whether the condition was first diagnosed after service.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues related to obstructive sleep apnea, hepatitis C, allergies, perforated ear drum, vision disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine, and shoulder disabilities has been withdrawn. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's chest pain and left knee disabilities have been reopened, with service connection granted for both conditions.,Service connection has also been established for right elbow and left elbow disabilities, as well as obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active duty and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.