Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's OSA is found to be proximately due to his service-connected allergic rhinitis, and the Board grants secondary service connection for OSA.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to a failure to properly notify the Veteran of scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Board dismissed the appeals for lumbosacral strain with segmental instability, left leg sciatica, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as well as the TDIU claim due to lack of timely filing of a VA Form 10182 Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, claimed as joint pain, is granted service connection. The back disability claim is denied. The obstructive sleep apnea claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as caused by the Veteran's service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 30 percent for chronic constipation has been granted. The claims for service connection for sinus and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of sleep apnea and hypertension as they were not properly docketed under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, including age-related nuclear sclerotic cataracts, loss of vision, and visual snow syndrome. The decision also denied his claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension.,The appeals were remanded for further review on the issues of service connection for OSA and bilateral cataracts.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The Veteran's GERD is found to be related to his military service. His obstructive sleep apnea was also incurred during service. Lastly, the Board determined that his hypertensive cardiovascular disease is secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The Veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD, and his stressors were not verified. For the lumbar spine disability, the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor did it indicate favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's claim to establish service connection for a left shoulder disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability and associated neuropathy are being remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions. Additionally, there is a proposed severance of service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy and left lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a headache disability has been granted.,Service connection for lumbosacral strain with right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been granted a 60 percent rating, effective as of the date of decision. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's obesity caused his condition and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for psychiatric disorders and secondary service connection for hypertension, PVD, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is being examined again as it may be related to his service-connected tinnitus and hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral shoulder, shin splints, or skin disability. The cervical spine and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities are remanded for further development.,Service connection is denied for OSA as there is no evidence to support its onset during service or due to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his military service and his current condition.