Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left hand middle finger disability, bilateral ear disability, and bilateral foot disability due to new evidence. However, these claims are still denied as there is no direct or secondary service connection.,Service connection for gastric ulcer remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, as they are inextricably intertwined with his cervical spine disability claim.,These issues include secondary service connection for cervical spine disability, OSA, scar of the right anterior base of neck, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and SMC due to housebound status, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's SMC based on loss of use of the right foot is granted effective January 24, 2012. The Board has remanded for additional development regarding his hypertension and service connection claims.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and left eye disability have been granted service connection, with a 20% rating for the left eye disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection can be decided. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for consideration of all evidence, including VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis disability, finding that his OSA was aggravated by this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea was restored to a 100% rating effective February 1, 2018. The reduction from 100% to 50% was found improper and the restoration is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's OSA and service, obesity/weight gain, or any service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a medical examination to determine these relationships.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include a back disability and obstructive sleep apnea, with the latter potentially secondary to pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claim for service connection for shift work sleep disorder, leaving only the grant of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA and remanded the issue of a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, a skin disorder, and memory loss due to procedural issues and additional evidence received. Further examination is needed to address secondary service connection theories and other contentions raised by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to make an informed decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining outstanding medical records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and headaches, as well as their relation to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the pathophysiology and etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims are being returned for further review.

The Veteran's service connection for sinusitis has been granted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and headaches have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, specifically whether it is related to service-connected conditions and environmental exposures.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, lumbosacral spine strain, ischemic heart disease, erectile dysfunction, congestive heart failure, peripheral neuropathy, and hiatal hernia, have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection is not granted as the Veteran's current disabilities are not presumed by exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD. The examiner did not provide sufficient information on whether the sleep apnea is related to active service or any other condition, nor did they address the issue of direct service connection.