Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain and thoracic strain with IVDS was denied. Prior to February 13, 2025, the rating remained at 10 percent; after that date, it was denied as greater than 40 percent.

The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea with bronchitis is dismissed. Effective from April 26, 2022, the Veteran's hypertensive heart disease has been rated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, but denied service connection for anxiety disorder and right wrist injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of June 20, 2023. The decision is based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran in support of his previously denied claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has ordered remand for the issues of entitlement to an increased rating for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a headache disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is not provided with proper notice regarding his right to a hearing under 38 C.F.R. §​3.103(b)(1) and (d)(1). Additionally, the VA back examination was inadequate as it did not address functional loss due to pain or ameliorative effects of medications.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining relevant medical records and conducting adequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is rated at 40 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder remains at the current 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the March 2025 VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his service-connected migraine headaches, with obesity as an intermediate step.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and scoliosis of thoracic spine, as these conditions are claimed to be secondary to his service-connected juvenile myoclonus epilepsy; general seizure disorder with residual upper extremity hyperreflexia. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these claims.

Service connection is granted for headaches and sleep apnea, both of which are determined to have onset during active service.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at the lowest possible level (0%) due to current hearing levels not meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective December 2022.,Left great ingrown toenail residuals were denied a compensable rating.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, effective March 22, 2024. The rating is based on the use of a CPAP machine.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused her obesity, which in turn aggravated her sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the claims of chronic bronchitis, increased ratings for chronic sinusitis and non-allergic rhinitis.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the claim of service connection for kidney disease, which is now remanded. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

Service connection for a sleep disorder secondary to PTSD is granted, and an effective date of January 25, 2022, is assigned for the grant of service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's already service-connected musculoskeletal conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for adjustment disorder unspecified, chronic with insomnia is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for CFS is denied.,The appeals for service connection for IBS, BHL, and breathing issues are dismissed.,The appeals for service connection for left foot gout, migraines, OSA, and body dysmorphia are remanded.