Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for snoring and acid reflux have been reopened due to new evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for equilibrium problems, bilateral hearing loss, upper and lower teeth condition including TMJ disorder, arthritis of the entire joint system, bilateral ankle condition, bilateral hip condition, sleep apnea, bilateral eye condition (periorbital eye pain, NVS cataracts, glaucoma suspect), acid reflux, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for snoring and acid reflux have been reopened due to new evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for equilibrium problems, bilateral hearing loss, upper and lower teeth condition including TMJ disorder, arthritis of the entire joint system, bilateral ankle condition, bilateral hip condition, sleep apnea, bilateral eye condition (periorbital eye pain, NVS cataracts, glaucoma suspect), acid reflux, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by their service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and IBS were granted service connection as their onset was during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his acquired psychiatric disability, heart disability, sleep disability, and bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for unspecified anxiety disorder was denied. The Board also remanded the cases of OSA, eye floaters, and diverticulitis due to lack of evidence regarding service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is aggravated by his service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence does not support a causal nexus between the Veteran's current sleep apnea and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection and increased ratings related to various conditions, including respiratory issues, peripheral neuropathy, groin pain, and lumbar strain. The Board has ordered these matters remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis has been denied.,The effective date for service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis is set at October 22, 2008. The Veteran's appeal regarding this issue was remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a restoration of his lumbosacral strain rating and an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain disability, as well as the claim for TDIU due to inextricability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's OSA was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with TBI. The case will be returned for an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of sleep apnea and whether it is related to service or any event, injury, or disease in service. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements and provide a rationale with references to the record.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchial asthma is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral wrist ganglion cysts are remanded. The Board will determine if the Veteran has these conditions and whether they are related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection of his right wrist ganglion cyst due to his service-connected right wrist fracture residuals and/or carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded. The Board will also decide if this condition is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of his hypertension is remanded. The Board will determine if the Veteran has this condition and whether it is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of his restless leg syndrome is remanded. The Board will determine if the Veteran has this condition and whether it is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of his rhinitis is remanded. The Board will determine if the Veteran has this condition and whether it is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of his sinusitis is remanded. The Board will determine if the Veteran has this condition and whether it is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of his obstructive sleep apnea, secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine arthritis, is remanded. The Board will also decide if this condition is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of his skin cancer is remanded. The Board will determine if the Veteran has this condition and whether it is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of exposure to volcanic ash has been reopened, and service connection is granted.,Service connection is also granted for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,Service connection for glaucoma is denied.,Service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and tinnitus are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for lumbar surgical scar is denied as the current condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the lack of a VA sleep disorders examination conducted by a medical doctor. The Veteran was provided a records review evaluation conducted by a physician assistant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied, but reopened due to new evidence. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea and depressive disorder with anxious distress were both reopened.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected asthma.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases for various conditions, including sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fascitis, TMJ, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and cluster headaches. The decision is based on the need for additional development, specifically obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding records related to the Veteran's lower back, deviated septum and respiratory disorder claims. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.