Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is rated at 40% prior to April 18, 2023, and in excess of 40% thereafter. The appeal has been denied as the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not related to his military service or service-connected hypertension, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the claims for a bilateral vision disability, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea as they were withdrawn by the Claimant with assistance from his attorney.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and hypertension secondary to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The VA is required to obtain additional opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, acute ischemic stroke as secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all granted.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, acute ischemic stroke (as a result of his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities and resulting obesity, requires additional medical opinions due to previous unfavorable nexus opinions. The matter is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on PTSD, right ankle disabilities, and a right ankle scar are remanded. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis / osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine at L5-S1, and intervertebral disc syndrome. The Veteran's current lower back condition is considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her condition, including during flare-ups or after repetitive use.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from December 29, 2011, to May 14, 2013, and may be eligible for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted were inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD or any other inservice exposure, as required by the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and psychotic features, obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee degenerative arthritis. The conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and other unspecified stressor-related disorders, is related to his service in military intelligence. Service connection for this condition is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran's OSA and RLS are secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for psychiatric disabilities, shoulder and knee injuries, hearing loss, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The remand also includes a request to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty with the Navy Reserve.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with a previous VA medical opinion and because the Veteran was recognized as having toxic exposure under the PACT Act. The case will be reviewed again, including obtaining additional records and providing an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative changes of the spine, but dismissed the claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis due to a full grant of benefits.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to her service-connected disabilities or due to in-service exposures, including burn pit exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.