Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 was granted with an effective date of April 2, 2009. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as there were no prior communications that could be construed as a request for entitlement to the condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his claim for service connection for OSA. The Board will consider all evidence, including the lay and medical records, to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that his current OSA was incurred during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for a back condition and remanded the right wrist condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder was granted, and an effective date of November 29, 2018, is established. The TDIU and Dependents' Education Assistance claims are also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and will need to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by service-connected GERD, hiatal hernia, or PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and traumatic brain injury, finding that these conditions are more likely caused by the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to her service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's OSA was proximately due to or aggravated by his PTSD, and thus service connection for OSA is granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bilateral hallux valgus, and bilateral neural foraminal stenosis. The Board found that the Veteran's weight gain/obesity caused by these conditions led to his sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, and will consider all evidence of record including lay statements from fellow servicemembers.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for entitlement to increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches as the appellant requested withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for further VA psychiatric evaluation.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in December 2021 was inadequate and remanded for a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected asthma.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of sleep apnea, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused by his obesity, which in turn is due to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine, degenerative disc and joint disease; residuals of right ACL instability; right hip strain with osteoarthritis; left knee degenerative arthritis; right knee instability; and right tibial stress fracture. The Board has granted the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received, specifically the Veteran's statements about his sleep issues during service. The claim for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is being remanded to allow for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated nasal septum and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the deviated septum.,Both conditions are found to have onset during active duty, with the Veteran's former spouse providing supporting testimony.