Sleep apnea decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of sleep apnea was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a right hand disorder. The claims for bilateral pes planus and plantar fascitis, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea are granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to newly submitted private treatment records. The claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities are also being remanded as there is no clear indication of limitation of motion in these joints during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address whether his sleep apnea was aggravated by his PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss is denied as not meeting VA compensation criteria.,Obstructive sleep apnea, left knee strain, and mental health conditions are remanded for further review.,Left knee strain is remanded for further review.,Mental health condition (anxiety, depression, and alcoholism) is remanded for further review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring an additional VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's statements about his symptoms in service are considered credible evidence of onset.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. K.M., the Veteran's daughter, is recognized as a helpless child of the Veteran due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was reduced from a 20 percent rating to a 10 percent rating effective December 12, 2024. The appeal for restoration of the 20 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea is found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service, including risk factors such as obesity and pre-existing conditions like sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the secondary service connection claim for sleep apnea to include as secondary to allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred during his active-duty service and granted entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, left ankle disability (secondary to service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities), bilateral hip disability (secondary to service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities), heart disability, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision is based on evidence that the Veteran's obesity, which developed from his PTSD, caused his OSA.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA eligibility, finding that the claims were not filed prior to August 22, 2024.

The Veteran's claim for increased compensation for her right hand injury residuals is dismissed. Service connection and ratings are granted for lumbosacral strain and bilateral hip strains, with a separate rating at 10 percent for each knee based on instability.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion in September 2020 is inadequate and remanded for a new examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner should consider all relevant factors, including the Veteran's reports about his symptoms during service and thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires a VA examination for the Veteran's sleep apnea disability.