Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to service connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, should be remanded due to a lack of an adequate rationale in the June 2019 VA examination and because the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD needs further clarification.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his military service.

An increased 50 percent rating for a thoracic/lumbar spine disability is granted.,Prior to June 21, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment. Since June 21, 2019, his acquired psychiatric disability has made it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,Since June 21, 2019, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected back disability, finding that there was no evidence showing that inactivity due to his service-connected low back disability caused him to become obese and develop OSA.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep disorder, specifically obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements about in-service exposure and symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea should be remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine its relationship to his service.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, secondary service connection, and aggravation of disabilities. The issues include cervical spine arthritis, headaches, bilateral upper extremity nerve conditions, and sleep disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted with a 10% rating. The claim of service connection for tinnitus has been reopened, but the Board finds that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim. Service connection for deviated septum, sleep apnea, and hemorrhoids are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability can be adjudicated. The claims file must be updated with the Veteran's SSA records and earning reports, and the case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The opinions are needed to determine if OSA is caused or aggravated by asthma, and whether obesity/weight gain is a substantial factor in causing OSA. Additionally, the examiner must consider all lay evidence, including the Veteran's statements.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination to determine if his current back disability is related to service or preexisting asymptomatic scoliosis, and whether any increase in severity during service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder including left bundle branch block, finding that it is not caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted.,Further evaluations or determinations are needed on the issues of low back disability, Meniere's disease, sleep apnea, and kidney disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he was not rendered unemployable due to only one service-connected disability, but rather multiple disabilities including his neck and back pain.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as left knee osteochondral defect, is granted service connection. The low back disorder and neck disorder are denied service connection. Service connection for the sleep disorder (to include sleep apnea) is remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected right ankle and muscle tear disabilities, with obesity acting as an intermediate step. The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the previous decision and needs further examination for sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, obstructive sleep apnea, left ulnar nerve condition, and right knee disability have been denied. The case is remanded to provide the Veteran with another opportunity for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability is secondary to his service-connected right wrist sprain.