Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his obesity, which in turn caused his obstructive sleep apnea. The current rating for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 12, 2021 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation at any point during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to his service-connected OSA with asthma and bronchitis, left knee osteoarthritis and synovitis, right knee meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, synovitis post arthroscopy, limitation of flexion in both knees, and right knee meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, synovitis post arthroscopy, limitation of flexion were remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, prostate adenocarcinoma with urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) are remanded due to the PACT Act requirements.,A VA examination and medical opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's conceded toxic exposure risk activity are needed.

The Board dismissed the appeal for sleep apnea as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have begun during service and has continued since then, warranting service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Persistent Depressive Disorder with Mild Alcohol Use Disorder and his service-connected Right Knee Strain, Left Ankle Strain, and Right Ankle Strain.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether his condition had its onset during active duty. As a result of resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, he is now entitled to this benefit.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for right shoulder pinched nerve (tendonitis bicipital). The appeals for bilateral inguinal hernia, right foot tingling and numbness in toes, and sleep apnea with CPAP are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II is being remanded for a medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or related to his service. ,The Veteran's low back disability is also being remanded for a medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected liposarcoma of the lung resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, which is now effective as of August 8, 2023.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and service or toxic exposure risk activities.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for sleep apnea as moot because it was granted in a previous decision.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case due to a duty-to-assist error in not considering the ameliorative effects of medication on his symptoms.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in duty to assist and insufficient opinions regarding service connection for OSA secondary to PTSD, with obesity as an intermediate step. The AOJ is instructed to obtain addendum opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that the VA examination did not address the Veteran's theory of entitlement regarding secondary service connection for OSA, and thus remands the case to obtain a new examination.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain (back pain), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The claims for lumbosacral strain and GERD are remanded due to a duty to assist error.