Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for back disability, headaches, and sleep apnea require additional medical examination to determine their etiology. The cases are being remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is related to in-service acid reflux, nausea, and GI symptoms. The left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain may be secondary to the service-connected left knee disability. Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for idiopathic intercranial hypertension and a higher rating for lumbosacral strain were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show incapacitating episodes or other symptoms warranting higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a left leg disability (including left transtibial amputation and phantom limb syndrome with pain), and right ankle arthritis due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran is required to be provided VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50 percent, and he is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his current disability is related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for service connection for sinusitis was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed in-service disease or injury and the present disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for PFB, but has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound is denied. The effective date of the awards cannot be earlier than April 20, 2023.,There is no indication that a higher or earlier effective date can be granted due to new evidence received within one year prior to the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and an increased rating for headaches and vertigo due to incomplete etiology opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is dismissed. The appeals for COPD, lumbosacral strain, non-allergic rhinitis, left wrist sprain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are denied. Service connection requests for CFS, chronic sinusitis, and sleep apnea are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. The claims of service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by her service-connected sinusitis, and if obesity is an intermediate step in causing her condition.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and right shoulder disorder caused him to gain weight, which in turn led to his development of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and denied service connection for sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as the NODs were not filed within a year of the AOJ's denials.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have not met the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression) due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran's OSA is related to active duty service, while the psychiatric disorder claim requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has identified new and relevant evidence that would warrant a merits adjudication of the Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea, but finds that a decision on the current record would be prejudicial. Therefore, the matter is remanded for initial AOJ consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder, breast cancer, and a low back disability. The evidence did not support her assertions that these conditions began in service or were related to any in-service events.,The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran’s current diagnoses to her military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected mild persistent depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder.