Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer alone, combined with other disabilities rated at least 60 percent, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate. The decision grants SMC based on TDIU being warranted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder, back, and neck disabilities but denied hepatitis C. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses are less likely related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was received on February 12, 2019. The effective date of the award is set at this date as it aligns with when entitlement to the benefit arose.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to Persistent Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress, Left Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy Status Post Ulnar Nerve Release, and Lumbosacral Strain. The private examiner's opinion supports the conclusion that obesity is an intermediate step between these service-connected conditions and the Veteran's current OSA.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including right hip, left hip, bilateral shin splints, and sleep apnea. The remaining issues are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea was denied, and the claim of service connection for left knee muscle and joint pain is being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the evidence did not support a rating more than 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's tinnitus and lumbosacral spine strain have been granted service connection, with a rating of 100% effective February 26, 2024. The lumbosacral spine strain issue is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The decision is based on a medical opinion that links the PTSD to obesity, which in turn caused OSA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claim for service connection for OSA as secondary to the now service-connected tinnitus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, lower spine, and neck conditions due to inadequate VA medical opinions in the previous decision. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist, and no valid service connection is found for an acquired psychiatric condition or obstructive sleep apnea. The back condition issue remains pending.

The claim of service connection for a lumbar spine condition is denied.,The claim of service connection for sleep apnea is denied.,The claim of service connection for hypertension is remanded.,The claim of service connection for vertigo is remanded.,The claim of service connection for sinusitis is remanded.,The claim of service connection for asthma (also claimed as chronic bronchitis) is remanded.

The rating reduction from 70 percent to 50 percent for PTSD was not proper, and the Veteran's disability rating is restored.,Service connection for sleep apnea due to service or service-connected PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and right ankle tendonitis are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with new evidence and a thorough examination.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral arthritis, bilateral knee condition, right elbow condition, and left toe condition.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was granted, with effective dates of August 6, 2021.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding the aggravation of sleep apnea by service-connected insomnia and tinnitus. A new medical opinion is needed to address this issue.