Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and left lower extremity radiculopathy are denied. The current evaluations of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, are found to be appropriate based on the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with thoracolumbar scoliosis and left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a pending claim prior to filing in 2018, and thus no earlier effective date is warranted. For the period from October 26, 2020, his rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active service. The claim will be reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including a spleen condition, obstructive sleep apnea, pituitary adenoma (claimed as brain tumor), diabetes mellitus type II, and hemorrhoids have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain, migraine headaches, sleep apnea, right shoulder disability, and left ankle disability are all denied. The VA will need to provide additional examinations and opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is related to his military service and/or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for Congestive Heart Failure due to the Veteran's long-term hypertension. Service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is remanded as there are insufficient opinions regarding its relationship with the Veteran's service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination that complies with Correia v. McDonald (28 Vet. App. 158, 2016).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and there is no evidence of a nexus to any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and his TDIU claim, finding that there was no evidence linking his sleep apnea to his service-connected PTSD or any other service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and eczema are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and active service. The issues have been remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the onset and relationship of these conditions to service.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, peripheral vestibular disorder, a disability manifested by passing out, obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, low back disability, psychiatric disorders, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's OSA and PTSD. The OSA is being reviewed in relation to service-connected PTSD, while the PTSD rating remains under review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was denied. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise regarding the right and left knee disabilities, but remanded for additional development. Service connection for PTSD is denied due to lack of a confirmed diagnosis by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted in full.,The application to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and shin splints is granted, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a multi-joint disability due to an undiagnosed illness have been denied. The claim for sleep apnea has been remanded.,Service connection is not granted for gout.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Headache Disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between the conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent lumbar spine and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations.