Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum available rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that there is no evidence of polyps or incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to receipt of additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to April 23, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating of 70 percent or higher for PTSD from that date is granted. Service connection for sleep apnea is established. The appeal regarding service connection for asthma is dismissed.

Your claim for service connection for lumbosacral spine strain has been granted and effective as of November 12, 2003. The issue is now dismissed.

The Veteran's eczema is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its relationship to his Gulf War service and toxic exposure.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its secondary relationship to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and psychotropic medication.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is dismissed.,Service connection for headaches as secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disability is granted, but a right hip disability and obstructive sleep apnea claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Veteran maintains that his condition is more severely disabling than reflected in the currently assigned 10 percent initial evaluation.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations in order to determine whether his painful scar, left arm and sleep apnea are related to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea may be related to in-service symptoms reported by his family members, and thus remands the case for an addendum opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a headache disorder, hypertension, dizziness, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances. The hearing loss rating issue is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, PTSD, low back disability, right and left ankle conditions, pes planus, tinnitus, IBS, and tendonitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since his separation from active duty in May 2016. The Board has granted TDIU effective May 15, 2016.

The appeals seeking increased ratings for the lumbar spine, skin disease, bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic radulopathy are dismissed.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for OSA is granted. Service connection for OSA is now established.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for sinusitis is granted. Service connection for sinusitis is now established.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted prior to August 10, 2022. Service connection for hepatitis B and a respiratory disorder (claimed as respiratory insufficiency, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and sleep apnea) are denied. An initial rating higher than 60 percent for renal insufficiency is denied prior to March 5, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, left thigh varicose veins, lumbosacral strain (secondary to bilateral pes planus), and right Achilles tendonitis have all been granted.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's current conditions based on exposure to particulate matter during service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate etiology opinion, requiring further examination and review of private treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea and arthritis of the hips, hands, shoulders, and cervical spine. The decision found that these conditions did not have their onset in service or are otherwise causally related to service-connected disabilities.