Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner did not adequately address causation and aggravation, nor did they consider a favorable medical article submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's hypertension is now presumed related to his in-service herbicide exposure, and service connection for this condition from August 10, 2022, is granted. The claims of cirrhosis of the liver and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for restless leg syndrome has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to PTSD due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's OSA. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a new medical opinion addressing whether OSA was caused by or aggravated by PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to his polycythemia, and the claim for service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for sleep apnea and right knee disorders before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for headaches was withdrawn during the July 2022 Board hearing, resulting in its dismissal.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's weight gain due to his back disability and associated radiculopathy may have contributed to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a right knee condition and obstructive sleep apnea before the Board could make a decision.

The appeal regarding seizure disorder is dismissed. OSA and TBI are granted, but the MDD rating is remanded.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected chronic sinusitis, PTSD, or the burn pit exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted service connection. Service connection for diabetes is pending due to a need for additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, and his left knee disability received increased ratings of 20% each.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding an inadequate VA medical opinion. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is being reviewed with the assistance of an independent medical expert.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be caused by or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD, and thus she has been granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD or right foot bunionectomy with hallux valgus and decreased mobility, osteoarthritis, old avulsion, and calcaneal spurs aggravated his obesity. The VA will obtain additional opinions from an examiner to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting findings and deficiencies in the examination reports. Further VA examinations are needed to determine the nature of any identified lumbar spine and knee disabilities, their relationship to active service, and whether they are related to or aggravated by other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome due to insufficient medical opinions, new evidence requiring review, and PACT Act considerations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease due to incomplete documentation of her medical records and a need to address her lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and dry eyes due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.