Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service event and exposure to environmental hazards during his military service.

The Board has determined that there are multiple pre-decisional duty to assist errors and the Veteran's sleep apnea claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's pes planus with plantar fasciitis is currently rated at the maximum allowable rating of 50 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's chronic allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there are no indications of nasal polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction on both sides.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not service-connected as it does not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to his service-connected PTSD or any other condition. The Board found that the Veteran's weight gain, which contributed to his sleep apnea, was not caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding an inadequate medical opinion and missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected spinal stenosis, degenerative arthritis, and related conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The decision affords the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatosis papulosa nigra and recurrent cyst, as well as his claim for multiple joint arthritis (to include gout) other than cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral foot, and bilateral hand. The remand requires obtaining updated VA treatment records, gathering outside records from Dr. T.L., and requesting a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to the Veteran's right leg disability, with obesity as an intermediate step.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The claims for sleep apnea, ear pain, and cough/shortness of breath are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding symptom onset and course.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claim of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma. The decision is pending further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disability, speech disability, and disability manifested by memory loss (other than psychiatric disability and sleep apnea) due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities at any time during or approximate to the pendency of his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his in-service symptoms and current sleep apnea.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of sleep apnea, and the Board dismissed it.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during his active duty service and is granted as direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address possible evidence of left knee instability.

The Board has determined that the severance of SMC housebound benefits was improper and has granted restoration of these benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in the July 2024 VA opinion, requiring a new medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.