Sleep apnea decisions — 2025

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and his military service.

The Board granted an initial 100 percent rating for chondrosarcoma prior to November 26, 2021, and denied a higher rating for rib removal. Pulmonary vascular disease was rated at 60 percent effective May 26, 2021, and anterior chest scar was rated at 10 percent effective the same date.

The Board remands the case to allow for the RO to adjudicate a CUE claim regarding the November 2007 rating decision that did not award service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The appeal of the April 4, 2025, rating decision that denied service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed because the Veteran had already requested higher-level review or a supplemental claim with respect to the issue(s) listed on the form.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea, resolving all doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia of the right lower extremity, sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia of the left lower extremity, and residual hypoesthesia and dysfunction of the right hand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease relating to obstructive sleep apnea, and the diagnosis occurred many years after service.

The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded a claim for service connection for a lower back disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease with scoliosis and lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to it, as a new VA examination is needed using the correct legal standard.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and right hand scar, but denied service connection for other claimed conditions including diabetes type II, erectile dysfunction, headaches, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder injury, left hand injury, lower back injury, right shoulder injury, upper back injury, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, solar lentigines, and acne as manifestations of a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness (MUCMI), while denying an increased rating for PTSD with residuals of traumatic brain injury. The Board also granted initial ratings for migraine and tension headaches, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, GERD, and a digestive condition due to an untimely Notice of Disagreement.

The Board restored a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, which is claimed as secondary to PTSD.

The Board granted an effective date of December 30, 2021, for the award of service connection for sleep apnea due to continuous pursuit of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability, memory loss, Persian Gulf Veteran with a qualifying chronic disability, right foot disability, sleep apnea, dental disability (loose teeth) for compensation purposes, sinusitis, muscle pain in whole body, and stomach disability. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus was denied as earlier than December 1, 2023.

The Board remands the appeal for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions to address the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and respiratory disability.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of January 3, 2009, for the award of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea based on a VA treatment record from May 20, 2009, which was constructively received and considered new and material evidence.

The Board remands the matter for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service or caused by his toxic exposure risk activities, specifically burn pits.

The Board granted service connection for depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, tension headaches, and GAD, but denied service connection for high blood pressure. The Veteran's claims for other disabilities were remanded.