Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia are remanded due to a duty to assist error. An addendum medical opinion is required to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was dismissed due to a procedural defect in the AMA appeals system.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected disabilities, including his service-connected severe stress disorder, lumbar strain, bilateral pes planus, right ankle sprain, bilateral hip conditions, and bilateral knee conditions. The decision grants entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder (MDD with GAD) are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for MDD with GAD is currently set at March 21, 2024, but the Board finds that an earlier effective date may be warranted if service connection can be established on a different basis.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability and OSA are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis, cervical stenosis with hypertrophic arthropathy, and associated radiculopathy, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his claims for service connection for lumbar back injury and sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spur syndrome and degenerative changes to right first metatarsal head, degenerative joint disease with torn medial meniscus, right knee, and right ankle fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any known clinical disease.

The Veteran's appeals for Dependents' Educational Assistance and service connection were dismissed due to untimely filings.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for various conditions, including PTSD, GERD, ankle sprains, knee sprains, and hearing loss, were also dismissed.

The Veteran's back, right knee, left knee, and neck disabilities have been granted service connection. The evaluation for the lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome has been restored to 20 percent effective May 6, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding the proposed severance of service connection for central sleep apnea due to a procedural defect.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for PTSD or any other diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, and therefore service connection is denied. The Board also found remand necessary for further examination of the left knee condition, OSA, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed because the Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA and COPD on a secondary basis, as well as the initial rating for constipation. The issues of entitlement to SMC-HB and TDIU have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially contribute to his employment handicap, and he had the necessary education, skills, and experience to obtain suitable employment. Therefore, VR&E benefits were denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for OSA, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to new evidence being added to the record. The Veteran's OSA is related to his obesity as an intermediary factor, but it was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. His bilateral hearing loss may be related to noise exposure in service, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.,Service connection for sleep apnea (also claimed as sleep condition) is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA opinion.