Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied. The Board found that the February 5, 2015 effective date was appropriate as it was when a claim to reopen his original claim for sleep apnea was initiated.

The Veteran's OSA is being remanded for further evaluation, including consideration of the PACT Act and potential service connection due to PTSD and TMJ disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for deep vein reflux/varicose veins and sleep apnea before the Board could make a decision.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 on a direct basis.,Service connection is denied for CFS, respiratory disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, left hand disorder, right hand disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left hip disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 5, 2022 was denied. From April 5, 2022, the Veteran is granted a 40% rating for his bilateral hearing loss. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral spine anterior spinal fusion residuals, spondylosis, osteoarthritis, and a Schmorl's node is remanded due to the need for further VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is conceded, but further examination and opinion are needed regarding the relationship between his current conditions and exposure to toxins.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, and will need additional information about whether the Veteran's sleep apnea onset during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for lumbosacral strain or hemorrhoids, and there was no current diagnosis of chlamydial urethritis or epigastric pain.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection as it manifested within one year of separation from active duty.,Service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury (concussion) and sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, the Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea on a secondary basis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further development and a medical opinion to determine its etiology.

The claims for increased initial ratings for tinnitus, PTSD with TBI, limitation of extension and adduction of each hip, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been remanded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it was not incurred in or caused by service and is not related to his service-connected mental health disorder.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis are granted, with the former receiving a grant of service connection and the latter being rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's current Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) began during service and has continued since then, warranting service connection.

The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's papillary thyroid cancer and obstructive sleep apnea claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.