Sleep apnea decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea to allow the AOJ to obtain a new medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed sleep apnea, including whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for a respiratory condition, diagnosed as sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's obesity, caused by his service-connected disabilities, is a substantial factor in causing his sleep apnea.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome, bulimia, and lumbosacral strain.

The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed because the November 2023 VA Form 10182 did not properly identify a specific rating decision to disagree with.

The Board granted the restoration of a 40% evaluation for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with discogenic low back syndrome, spinal stenosis and history of lumbar strain. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, heart condition to include palpitations (also claimed as cardiac arrhythmia), irritable bowel syndrome, residuals from stroke or a heat stroke, respiratory insufficiency (dyspnea), restless leg syndrome (RLS), obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine headaches.

The appeals for service connection for deviated septum and sleep apnea have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), neck degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and an initial compensable rating for acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder (MDD).

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding no evidence of a nexus between the condition and either in-service toxic exposure or the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for his left shoulder disability, as well as service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal before a decision was issued, and all service connection claims were dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that new and relevant evidence had been submitted sufficient to readjudicate a previously denied claim.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD and sleep apnea due to a need for additional VA examinations.

The Board remands the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete development of toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) and an inadequate VA nexus opinion.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to a need for further development of the evidence.

The veteran withdrew the appeal for all issues, including increased ratings for bilateral knees and lumbar spine conditions, and entitlement to TDIU based on remaining service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The other claims were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for sleep apnea to ensure an adequate medical opinion is provided and substantial compliance with previous remand directives is achieved.

The Board remands the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and higher ratings for lumbar strain, right knee instability, right knee osteoarthritis, removal of cartilage of the right knee, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) to obtain additional evidence.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and a TDIU due to further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records, verifying in-service asbestos exposure, and providing an addendum opinion regarding OSA.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for sleep apnea to provide the Veteran a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and military service.