Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, osteoarthritis right knee, and osteoarthritis left knee due to untimely filing of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not found to be incurred during a period of active service or secondary to his service-connected cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome.,The Board determined that the evidence did not support finding that the Veteran's current lumbosacral spine conditions, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were incurred during a period of active service or secondary to his service-connected cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea disability is proximately due to his service-connected Other Specified Trauma-Related Disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70% rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted, with the effective date set at July 7, 2021. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted by the AOJ in a March 2025 decision. The Veteran's representative then withdrew the appeal with a written statement, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's appeal for various conditions and TDIU was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether a nexus exists between an in-service disease or injury and the Veteran's OSA. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for sarcoidosis with sleep apnea is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his condition requiring the use of a breathing assistance device, which is what he is currently evaluated under. As to TDIU, the Veteran's claim is granted as he is unable to work due to his service-connected sarcoidosis with sleep apnea since 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his military service. The medical opinion provided by VA found that OSA was less likely caused by any in-service exposure, including those related to toxic exposures.

The Veteran's central sleep apnea is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating as his condition does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for primary snoring (also claimed as sleep apnea) has already been granted in a previous rating decision. The Board dismissed the appeal because there remains no justiciable case or controversy.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee injury pain. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea and pes planus are remanded due to the need for a VA examination considering toxic exposure risk activities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, finding that the onset of both conditions occurred during active duty. The decision is based on the Veteran's service treatment records showing diagnoses and symptoms related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cluster headaches and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to his PTSD, finding that obesity caused by PTSD is a substantial factor in causing the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to a service-connected deviated septum disability, but has remanded the issue of service connection for rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in duty to assist and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The issues are whether OSA is secondary to PTSD, COPD, or asthma.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea, but has remanded the issue of left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's current hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for generalized anxiety disorder with depressive and alcohol use disorder is granted. The claims for sleep apnea, left breast disorder, hair loss, RLE radiculopathy, and LLE radiculopathy are denied.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, emphysema, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea (OSA) as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to the Veteran's military service or in-service exposures.