Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evidence supports this finding, including medical literature linking the conditions and VA examiners' opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The issues of diabetes mellitus, type II; thyroid cancer, status post thyroidectomy; bowel disorder; intestinal condition; arthritis of the back; arthritis of the left foot; arthritis of the right foot; bone spurs of the right foot; and bone spurs of the left foot are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The remaining issues of PTSD, Erectile Dysfunction, Right Hip Disability, Left Hip Disability, Bilateral Retinopathy, and Lumbosacral Strain are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to obesity resulting from service-connected disabilities, including his acquired psychiatric disorder, has been denied.,The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection for the right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and left hip disability due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is attributed to his service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating and a rating in excess of 60 percent for his disability manifested by fatigue is remanded due to uncertainty about whether the fatigue is a separate condition or a symptom associated with other disabilities, including service-connected sleep apnea and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted as the disability was incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and right hip condition, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and military service.,The decision also noted inconsistencies in the Veteran's testimony regarding when he first experienced symptoms related to his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and the claim cannot be established without a current examination or reexamination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to conflicting evidence regarding the current diagnosis of PTSD and in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure, sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, pseudofolliculitis (now claimed as shaving profile), and upper extremity neurological condition. The claims are granted to the extent that they were not previously denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development due to issues related to service connection and increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has determined that the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, service connection for a psychiatric disorder, service connection for sleep apnea, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left long finger amputation and left ring finger fracture, and TDIU are REMANDED due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and dental disorder due to a lack of a VA examination or medical opinion linking these conditions to his active duty service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for both conditions, which were not previously on appeal.

PTSD was granted as a new finding based on new and material evidence. Residuals related to a head injury, low back condition, and right hand osteoarthritis were denied.,Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD was remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for OSA, finding no evidence of an in-service respiratory injury or disease and that the current diagnosis is not related to any service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service disease or injury related to his current condition and that the longitudinal record did not support a causal relationship between his active duty service and his present disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability and its relationship to service, service-connected disabilities, or any other relevant factors.