Sleep apnea decisions — 2024

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a jaw condition and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The claim for jaw condition was denied due to lack of aggravation by service, while the claim for OSA was denied as there were insufficient medical records to establish a direct relationship with service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating. The TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing that the Veteran is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional medical opinions. The appellant's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to his service-connected sinusitis is being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for bipolar II disorder with rapid cycling and tinnitus have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date for service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and resulting obesity, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability. The effective date of this grant is February 16, 2023, which is the latest between the date of claim and when both conditions were service connected.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to evaluate the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected acne and whether he has scarring from this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected asthma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for central sleep apnea, finding that there was no medical nexus between his current condition and his military service. The evidence did not support a secondary service connection based on his right knee strain.

The Veteran's service connection claims for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema and rosacea, and a bilateral eye condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for sleep apnea, specifically addressing whether obesity is a substantial factor in causing or aggravating the Veteran's sleep apnea. The examiner must consider various factors including physical activity restrictions, eating habits, and mental health conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran must be afforded VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus the TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to inadequate medical opinions on a direct theory of entitlement. The AOJ is required to obtain adequate medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and migraines are not granted due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Further examination or opinion is needed for the claims related to migraines.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's snoring and breathing issues prior to his deployment were exacerbated by his current condition.

The Veteran's appeals for special home adaptation grant and housing eligibility were denied. Her claims for increased ratings for posttraumatic headaches, traumatic brain injury with PTSD, and lumbosacral strain were also denied.