Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion regarding service connection for OSA, as well as secondary service connection for OSA due to bipolar disorder and obesity. The Veteran's OSA is related to his in-service sleep problems, but the AOJ must provide a more comprehensive examination and opinion.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to readjudicate his service connection claim for sleep apnea because no new and relevant evidence was submitted, and the existing evidence did not establish a link between his current sleep apnea and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for an examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection due to the lack of a valid claim prior to February 23, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA is remanded due to new evidence of a diagnosed condition, and the need for a VA examination to determine if the condition is related to in-service exposure to burn pits.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's low back disability is granted a 40 percent rating, right knee and left knee disabilities are each granted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's OSA was granted an initial 30 percent rating, but no higher.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted. The Board found the Veteran had a current diagnosis and service exposure to noise that could be related to his tinnitus.

The Veteran's right hand scar, right carpel tunnel syndrome (claimed as right hand neuropathy), and left carpel tunnel syndrome are all granted with a 10% disability rating. The Veteran's sleep apnea is also granted secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's right hand disability remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, varicose veins in the right lower extremity, and varicose veins in the left lower extremity are being remanded due to errors in the duty to assist. The VA is required to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, OSA, PTSD, and vertigo. The right ankle disability claim is remanded due to a lack of an opinion regarding aggravation during service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury during a period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as there is no evidence of onset during service or within one year post-service, and the current condition was not linked to service.,The Veteran's sleep disorder (to include sleep apnea) was denied as there is no evidence of onset during service or within one year post-service, and the current condition was not linked to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can still drive a car and does not require constant assistance with daily activities. Therefore, his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as it is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service. The Veteran's current OSA is attributed to obesity and not exposure to environmental hazards.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his condition was incurred or caused by his military service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee disorders and low back disorder, prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment consistent with his education and experience. The Board found that the combined effects of these conditions made it impossible for the Veteran to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed as moot due to a March 2025 rating decision that granted service connection for other specified trauma and other stressor related disorder with alcohol use disorder, effective May 2, 2024. The lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy claims are remanded.