Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and effective dates related to CVA, obstructive sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, and gout have been dismissed.,The Veteran withdrew his claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a CVA with residuals, an effective date prior to January 14, 2011, for CVA, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea, and an effective date prior to November 7, 2014, for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, migraines, chronic sinusitis, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a right thigh scar, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's initial rating for obstructive sleep apnea was denied, but a final decision from June 2017 is not considered. The claim was reopened and granted with an effective date of May 18, 2021.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, residuals of kidney cancer, bilateral flat feet, and bilateral knee conditions. The appeals are now pending again due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of adequate examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and its impact on his obesity, which in turn may have caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has denied an increased rating for chronic sinusitis prior to June 10, 2024 and has remanded the issue of service connection for a sleep disorder. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to errors in duty to assist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, as he is able to perform his daily activities with assistance from his wife when needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disability, neck disability, diabetes mellitus type II, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and gout due to insufficient medical opinions on their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxins related to his military occupational specialty as a firefighter, and for additional development in this area.

The Board has found the May 8, 2020 Request for Higher-Level Review timely and remanded the service connection claims for infertility and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board finds that the evidence is in at least approximate balance as to whether OSA is secondarily caused by PTSD.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a new opinion from a qualified medical specialist that addresses whether the condition occurred in service, is related to his service-connected tinnitus, and if it is related to his in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable due to the audiometric test results not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, and respiratory disorder (constrictive bronchiolitis) is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was found to be less likely related to service due to the examiner's conclusion that it could have multiple etiologies.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during his military service and is therefore granted as service-connected.

The Board has denied service connection for congestive heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable due to the lack of evidence showing a compensable level of disability.,There is no current diagnosis of urinary frequency, and the Veteran does not have any history or treatment for this condition. Therefore, service connection for urinary frequency is denied.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, and there is no evidence linking his condition to service. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is denied.,VA examinations are required to determine if the Veteran's low back and neck conditions are related to his service, including any in-service incidents such as falls and carrying heavy objects.,VA examinations are needed to assess whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and IBS are related to his service, specifically his exposure to TERA during service.,VA examinations are required to determine if the Veteran's GERD is related to his service, including any in-service exposures such as TERA.,VA examinations are necessary to evaluate if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is linked to his service, considering his reported in-service exposure to TERA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal.