Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for TDIU and all service connection claims, stating he is satisfied with the decisions made regarding his VA disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea, thoracic spine disability (claimed as lumbar spine condition), and depression, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted due to the submission of a timely substantive appeal in March 2020.

The Veteran's initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypertension and service connection for a low back disability are both denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's sleep apnea was not present during service or until years after, and there is no competent evidence linking it to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and an emotional condition were dismissed as the February 2020 rating decision was a deferral for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as being proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Sleep Apnea as secondary to PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity for a VA examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not currently diagnosed for VA purposes, and the Board finds service connection is denied.,Service connection for an anxiety disorder is granted as it is etiologically related to his service-connected tinnitus.,There is no current diagnosis of OSA during the appeal period, so service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and service connection, as well as his requests for increased disability rating and TDIU. The appeals were dismissed due to untimeliness.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Obstructive Sleep Apnea was dismissed due to a prohibited concurrent appeal. The claims for Personality Disorder, Left Neck Scar, Right Knee Disability, Left Knee Disability, Bilateral Foot Disability, and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (MDD and ADHD) are all remanded for further development. Service connection for Hypothyroidism is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression caused his Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for a right big toe disability and remanded the issue of sleep apnea. The decision is binding only with respect to the specific issues decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression caused his Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's back disability, characterized as lumbosacral and upper thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease, has not met the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The evidence does not show forward flexion limited to less than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, muscle spasm resulting in abnormal gait, IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least two weeks but less than four weeks during the past 12 months, or x-ray evidence of arthritis with involvement of two or more major joints or minor joint groups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation was granted effective August 17, 2021. The initial rating for sleep apnea with insomnia remains at 50 percent.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for migraines, a right wrist disability, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded.

The Veteran's OSA was granted service connection, but the effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) eligibility remains to be determined.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, finding that his condition did not warrant such an increase based on the evidence of record.