Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and hypertension. The remand includes obtaining updated medical opinions to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including service connection for migraine headaches and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's current disabilities are also being reviewed.,The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or IVDS with incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the VA definition of hearing loss or tinnitus.,For his left knee, right knee, and bilateral foot disabilities, the Board has found that remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for the knees.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information provided by a previous VA examination, and a new medical opinion is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sleep apnea, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that the Veteran's current condition began during her active duty service and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder disorder, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and knee disorders. The decision is based on insufficient evidence and the need for additional development such as obtaining medical opinions and treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is secondary to his service-connected chronic sinusitis. The decision also includes a remand for an increased rating for post-concussive headaches.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for various conditions are being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding treatment records from TRICARE.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination for his service-connected psychiatric condition. Additionally, a supplemental medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to potential issues with the Veteran's death status.

The Veteran's COPD and Sleep Apnea have been rated at 50% since March 14, 2016. The rating is granted as the conditions meet the criteria for a disability rating of 50%.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea is granted, with the earliest possible effective date being December 22, 2018. The Board found that the completed application was submitted within one year of the initial incomplete submission.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, uterine fibroids, and low back disability are all granted service connection. The rating for residuals of post-traumatic swan neck deformity in the right ring finger remains at noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is denied as there is no current disability of a sleep disorder. The Board finds that the Veteran's reported insomnia has been attributed to PTSD with alcohol use disorder, which has a clear and specific etiology.

The Veteran is granted a schedular TDIU from October 23, 2008, to September 28, 2021.,The claim for a schedular TDIU from September 28, 2021, to July 1, 2023, is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran's receipt of a combined 100% disability rating.,An initial compensable rating for posttraumatic headaches was denied.,The Board referred the issue of an extraschedular TDIU prior to October 23, 2008, to the Director.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of epididymitis and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The remaining issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence.