Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of April 17, 2017 for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) secondary to PTSD was granted. The earliest available effective date is based on the evidence of record during the pendency of his PTSD claim.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent lumbosacral strain, finding that the condition originated during active service and is directly related to a back injury sustained while in the military.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is denied. The effective date of service connection for OSA is also denied.,The Board has remanded the issues related to Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS) as secondary to OSA and Total Disability Based Upon Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations and service connection have been denied. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation on the issues of service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for psoriatic arthritis with degenerative disc disease and lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the August 2025 rating decision is the decision on appeal and remands the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claims of secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has found that the Veteran's OSA is related to his obesity, which may be an intermediate step caused by service-connected disabilities (tinnitus and PTSD). The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his obesity.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC-AA/HB and service connection for urinary frequency secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea should be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and a duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine strain, lumbosacral strain with associated sciatica, bilateral hip and knee disabilities, chronic ankle disabilities, foot problems, hypertension, migraine headaches, MDD, and PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to obtain examinations or opinions where the low threshold of McLendon was met.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, cervical neck strain, left knee with torn meniscus, and erectile dysfunction are denied.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded as there was a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an opinion regarding cannabis use disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding various service connection claims and rating determinations due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's service connection for traumatic brain injury is granted, and he is awarded a higher level of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and additional disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot condition, sleep apnea, stomach condition (claimed as stomach issues), right ankle pain, lumbosacral strain, and left knee strain due to lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to address lay statements regarding in-service injuries. The AOJ is instructed to obtain complete service treatment records, correct any duty-to-assist errors, and provide an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are related to heavy, repetitive lifting from his military duties.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for effective dates prior to June 10, 2022, for service connection of various conditions. The appeal is also remanded for further action on some issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's OSA, specifically whether it is related to his service-connected right foot disability or asbestos exposure in service. The VA must provide a new opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence linking it to either active service or a service-connected condition.