Sleep apnea decisions — 2025

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine and a separate 10 percent rating from March 21, 2016 to October 20, 2024 for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the service-connected lumbosacral spine condition. The claim for an increased rating for the right shoulder acromioclavicular separation was denied.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), to include as secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with obesity as an intermediate step, for further development and consideration.

The appeal for service connection for liposarcoma, right thigh, to include as secondary to dermatitis was dismissed. The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 9, 2019.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), to include as secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine, for a new VA medical examination.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain from March 21, 2022 onwards due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity and impact of the Veteran's condition during flare-ups.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's time in service and his current sleep apnea.

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional evidence and a more comprehensive medical opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disability, with obesity as an intermediate step. The claims for an enlarged prostate and TDIU were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, chest pain, heart condition, bilateral hip strain, and left shoulder disability. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened.

The Board denied the appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent for disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome in both knees.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as the evidence did not support a finding that OSA had onset during service or was related to an injury or disease during service, including toxic exposure risk activities, and was not caused by or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea for an adequate VA opinion.

The Board remands the claim for further development, including obtaining a complete text of three hyperlinked articles and an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD or sinusitis caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to obtain an adequate medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's condition, including whether it is related to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, while remanding the claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to obtain additional medical opinions that address the theories discussed in the Veteran's claim.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as the evidence did not support a finding that it was incurred during or caused by active duty, and there was no evidence of aggravation of pre-existing sleep apnea.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it was caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities via the intermediate step of obesity.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding no evidence to support a direct link between the condition and active service or any aggravation by a service-connected disability.