Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for a recurrent deviated nasal septum. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions caused him to become obese, which was a substantial factor in causing his obstructive sleep apnea. The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbar strain including status post discectomy residuals with IVDS, bilateral calcaneal heel spur, bilateral achilles tendonitis, and bilateral knee strain with history of patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his G-6PD deficiency, sleep apnea, and left arm or left elbow condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is now considered service-connected as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding whether the sleep apnea was caused by PTSD, giving the benefit of doubt to the claimant.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and will provide a VA examination to determine if the sleep apnea is related to in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is directly related to his military service or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including COPD and tuberculosis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his symptoms began during a period of active service and continued post-deployment. The Board resolved all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to support the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and lung spots (granulomatous disease), which were previously denied. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was not productive of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, and thus a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, with obesity as an intermediate step.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to insufficient evidence and inadequate medical opinions. The case will be returned to the RO for further action, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current disability and his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and a Back Disability (including Arthritis) due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran's lay assertions of in-service symptoms are considered, but the VA examiners did not provide adequate nexus opinions based on the provided evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain (claimed as a back strain) was granted. The claims for service connection of the left knee, ankle, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and cardiovascular conditions are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right knee disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.,There was no indication of an association between the claimed conditions and toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea and migraine headaches are granted. The decision on the migraine headaches claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.