Sleep apnea decisions — 2025

The Board remanded the case to obtain an adequate medical opinion on whether the veteran's obstructive sleep apnea includes cor pulmonale, which could increase his disability rating.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection for various conditions were mostly denied. However, the claims for allergic rhinitis and asthma were remanded for further consideration.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that symptoms first manifested during the veteran's active duty service.

The appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine and left lower extremity conditions is remanded. The Board needs more information about the Veteran's diagnosis.

The appeal regarding the reduction in rhinitis rating was dismissed because no actual reduction had occurred. The claim for sleep apnea was remanded for further examination.

The veteran is granted an initial rating of 50 percent for migraines. The claim for total disability due to service-connected migraines is remanded.

The veteran's PTSD rating was denied for the period before October 9, 2023, and for a higher rating after that date. The claims for headaches and lumbosacral strain were remanded for further review.

The Board's decision from December 17, 2024, regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been vacated due to a procedural error. The claim will be re-adjudicated after processing the veteran's request to switch dockets.

The veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, secondary to a service-connected depressive disorder due to chronic pain associated with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, was granted. The decision is based on evidence showing that obesity caused by the depressive disorder led to the sleep apnea.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's contention that his condition is due to a blow to the face during service will be further evaluated.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, resolving the benefit of the doubt in favor of the Veteran due to balanced evidence.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, migraines, tinnitus, and sleep apnea, due to new and relevant evidence. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of sleep apnea and bilateral pes planus, stating that October 14, 2021 is the earliest possible effective date.

The veteran's claims for compensable ratings for bronchitis, sinusitis, and hearing loss were denied. Service connection was granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and asthma. All other issues were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the veteran's current service-connected disabilities and resulting obesity. The decision was based on medical evidence showing a causal link between the veteran's OSA, obesity, and service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating and earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for sleep apnea, were denied. The claims for service connection for diabetes, shortness of breath, and spitting up blood were remanded.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because the VA examination was inadequate and did not properly address the Veteran's theory that obesity, caused by a service-connected back condition, led to OSA.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and sleep apnea. The Veteran will undergo a new examination to determine if his conditions worsened during service.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and fibromyalgia, with obesity as an intermediary step.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis, left foot heel spur, and residuals of multiple left ankle sprains has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's obesity was an intermediate step between these conditions and OSA.