Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a left shoulder disability was denied due to failure to report for a scheduled examination. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is remanded as the VA opinion provided did not adequately address whether the Veteran's PTSD caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is found to be the primary cause of his obstructive sleep apnea. The bilateral lattice degeneration of the retina with right eye photopsia and open angle glaucoma are granted at a 10% rating, effective from the date of the May 2022 decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety condition, asthma (shortness of breath), obstructive sleep apnea, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, and left hip condition have all been denied. The Board has also remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition and right knee condition.

The Veteran's low back disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle strains.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and anxiety disorder. The effective date for this grant is September 30, 2021.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 14, 2018 for the grant of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The claim was continuously pursued by filing in succession any available review options within one year from when the decision was issued.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For tension headaches (claimed as ocular migraines), the evidence does not support a compensable rating during either appeal period.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an obstructive sleep apnea disability as new and relevant evidence had not been received since the August 2021 rating decision.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding that there is insufficient information to render an informed opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected adjustment disorder. The matter is therefore remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The decision is based on the opinion of a VA examiner who concluded that the Veteran's OSA was at least as likely as not due to or the result of his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and a rating increase for obstructive sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of October 31, 2007. The condition is secondary to his service-connected asthma.

The Veteran's appeal centers on his request for an earlier effective date for the additional dependency compensation he receives for his spouse, children, and stepchildren. These benefits are available to all Veterans with qualifying dependents who are in possession of at least a 30 percent combined disability rating.,The Board denied the Veteran's claims as there was no good cause presented to extend the one-year requirement to submit the additional dependency compensation claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance (SMC A&A) due to a lack of evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities rendered him so nearly helpless as to require regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI). Service connection for OSA as secondary to TBI has been granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the nature of the Veteran's current disability and whether it is related to her service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's diagnosed obesity, which is related to his service-connected conditions, caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and right heel condition have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection in these cases.,For his extra-skeletal osteosarcoma, diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia claims, the Board has determined that VA examinations are needed to determine if there is a relationship between the conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and lumbar spine disability were granted with effective dates of August 4, 2016. The Board found that the original intent to file was received on this date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, and tension headaches have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea should be remanded due to a lack of medical evidence on file to make a decision, and because there is an indication that his symptoms may be related to his service.