Sleep apnea decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board granted an initial 30 percent rating for sleep apnea but denied higher ratings for right hip disability and dismissed the appeals for service connection for PTSD, chronic gastritis, and rotator cuff tendonitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance, as there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him permanently bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and lumbosacral spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to an in-service injury.

The Board granted an effective date of August 24, 2009, for the award of service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral spine, left lower extremity mild sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower extremity mild sciatic radiculopathy. An earlier effective date was denied for the scar associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and higher ratings due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board remands the claim for a back condition, to include lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease, due to an inadequate VA examination and failure to obtain private medical records.

The Board denied a claim for entitlement to an increased disability rating for service-connected DDD of L3-S1 with lumbosacral strain and IVDS, as well as claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a back condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition for further development, including new VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to readjudicate based on new and relevant evidence.

The Board remands the matter of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea for an addendum opinion.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restored a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability effective October 25, 2022.

The Board remands the matter for additional development to obtain supplemental medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease and/or bilateral foot disability, and to address questions as to whether his obesity was an immediate step between his service-connected CAD and foot disabilities and his current OSA.

The Board remands all issues on appeal for additional development, including verification of potential exposure to herbicide agents and other chemicals, as well as obtaining any relevant treatment records.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to various service-connected disabilities, due to an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board remands the claims for service connection due to a lack of complete Reserve service records and unclear in-service toxic exposures.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and shortness of breath with chest pain due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for sleep apnea to obtain an addendum opinion addressing its etiology, including whether it was caused or aggravated by a service-connected acquired psychological condition.