Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected depression is rated at 70 percent effective October 10, 2012. An increased rating for OSA from November 7, 2011, and a separate compensable rating for allergic rhinitis are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected conditions, particularly major depressive disorder with insomnia. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA medical opinion addressing causation and aggravation of the Veteran's OSA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the care or assistance of another on a regular basis, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension due to a failure to obtain medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically asthma with COPD and OCD.

The Board has determined that the VA opinion provided was inadequate and requires further examination to address both causation and aggravation of sleep apnea due to service-connected PTSD with depression.

The Board has determined that there were pre-decisional errors in the previous rating decision and has ordered a remand to obtain an additional VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected conditions or military service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed due to the duty to assist error and remands the case for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied.,The Veteran was awarded service connection for both conditions on May 9, 2016.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for sleep apnea as it was granted in a May 2024 rating decision, and no further benefits are available.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and OSA due to the lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran's military occupational specialty was consistent with hazardous noise exposure.,The claim for a rating in excess of 50% for PTSD was denied because the Veteran failed to report to a VA examination scheduled for June 2023.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity exercise induced compartment syndrome, finding that OSA is aggravated beyond its natural progression by the service-connected condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's passing, and no further action can be taken on these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, bilateral leg condition, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and heart condition due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's dental claim remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his physical conditions, including knee, hip, and back issues.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sleep apnea due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's condition, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues related to his lumbosacral spine, wrist, and hand disabilities has been dismissed as the claim for headaches was granted in May 2023.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bruxism, gastritis including chronic constipation, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran's current conditions are not yet established as related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 70% disability rating for PTSD effective November 22, 2019. The TDIU has also been granted from the same date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea is related to his service or any conceded exposure risk activities.