Sleep apnea decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 13, 2014 was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to major depressive disorder (MDD). The Veteran's obesity is also a factor that needs further clarification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine/back problems and increased ratings for his bilateral feet and knees disabilities due to new evidence presented during a hearing in May 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and it is now required to consider this additional evidence in its decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are granted. The Veteran is also granted service connection for these conditions based on exposure to JP-4 fuel in service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as service connected, with all doubt resolved in his favor.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of a higher disability rating for his lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee strains and TBI have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of increased ratings for DD of the lumbosacral spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the issue of a TDIU.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is service-connected as it began during active service.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with foot drop is service-connected due to in-service exposure to JP-4.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a recurrent lumbosacral spine disability, including lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and arthritis. The Board found no evidence of such disabilities during active service or within one year after separation.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary nodule, is related to his military service. However, the VA examiner's opinion was deemed inadequate for determining this relationship due to lack of consideration of the Veteran's prior statements about symptoms dating back 10 years. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's OSA and his service-connected PTSD, as well as his Gulf War participation. The VA will obtain additional records and conduct a new examination to determine if there is any link between the Veteran's OSA and these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder was granted with an effective date of May 4, 2018. The appeal for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed as the RO has already granted this benefit in a prior decision.

The Veteran's vertigo was granted service connection as it is presumed to have been incurred in active duty. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, nausea (secondary to hypertension), headache disorder (secondary to hypertension), and lack of focus (secondary to obstructive sleep apnea) are remanded.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and insomnia. The effective date for this grant of service connection is September 2, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further examination. The Veteran reported being struck in the face by a metal can of syrup during service, which may have caused his current facial injuries.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to service connection for a right hip condition and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as the issue of an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to July 21, 2021. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 18, 2018, for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbosacral strain superimposed on degenerative joint and disc disease. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.