Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea). The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.,The Board found no current diagnosis of a sleep disorder in the medical records. It also noted that there was no positive opinion linking the Veteran's diabetes and psychiatric disorders to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with an opinion on whether his current condition is related to service or if it was caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate addendum opinions. The Veteran's TBI and PTSD are being considered separately, and his sleep disorder is being evaluated as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.,Service connection is also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, likely PTSD, as the Veteran's statements regarding onset are inconsistent with medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively associated with herbicide agent exposure in service under the PACT Act. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension on a direct basis are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to insufficient evidence, including incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating due to failure of the Veteran to appear for VA examinations. The matter is being returned for further action.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea, which is claimed to be secondary to deviated septum and PTSD. The Veteran submitted medical treatises that suggest a link between these conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including effective date determinations and rating decisions. The TDIU issue is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to service. The VA examiner will need to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities, specifically posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease. The decision also requires a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial compensable rating for contact dermatitis, service connection for sleep apnea and a sleep disorder, and service connection for tinnitus due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of new VA treatment records and issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbosacral degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, right elbow degenerative joint disease, and others, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective August 13, 2021.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, sleep apnea, CAD, and hypertension, all found to be aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's earlier effective date claim for a 100% rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood (psychiatric disorder) is denied as the evidence does not show an ascertainable increase in severity of the disability prior to May 12, 2017.,The claims for service connection for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and mild gastritis are reopened due to new and material evidence. However, these claims remain denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's sleep disturbance (including obstructive sleep apnea) is being remanded for further examination and medical opinion to determine if it is related to service, especially his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional medical opinions and records to address service connection claims, rating determinations, and other issues. The Board will consider the evidence and make a decision on these matters.