Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbosacral strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 13, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his obesity, a result of his service-connected disabilities, is a substantial factor in causing or aggravating his current condition.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board denied DIC benefits for cause of death.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is granted as service-connected. The Board also grants a TDIU prior to January 7, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), anemia, and a left shoulder condition. The conditions are presumed to be related to toxic exposures during service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for major depressive disorder and lumbosacral strain was denied, with the psychiatric disorder receiving a maximum rating of 70% effective August 24, 2021.,A TDIU based on all service-connected disorders was granted effective January 16, 2018. The Veteran's claim for SMC remains pending.

The Veteran's IBS increased rating claim is granted, and a 30% disability rating is assigned.,The Veteran's GERD initial increased rating claim is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and sleep apnea as these conditions are not related to the Veteran's active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg liposarcoma disability is service-connected due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and grants this claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The VA examiner did not consider all relevant evidence, including a medical article from 1993 that suggests occupational exposure to organic solvents can cause sleep apnea.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and earlier effective dates due to inadequate VA examinations. The issues of entitlement to an earlier effective date for TDIU, DEA, and service connection are also inextricably intertwined.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his sleep apnea was not incurred in or due to his time in service and is not proximately due to his service-connected mental health disability.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, left knee strain, and lumbosacral strain as these conditions were not shown in service or are not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and earlier effective dates were denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date before March 14, 2022, for service connection of IVDS, MDD, left knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia, patellar maltracking, and calf strain, or right knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia, patellar maltracking, and calf strain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability that would warrant the assigned rating, or any other higher rating.,There is insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's assertions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion provided was inadequate due to a lack of an aggravation opinion and insufficient rationale. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's back disability, RLE radiculopathy, and OSA are all granted as service-connected.,A 10 percent rating is granted for chronic sinusitis.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms had their onset during his active duty service and are causally related to it.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis. The claims for increased ratings of left and right hip disabilities are remanded due to insufficient examination findings.