Sleep apnea Board decisions

Your claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, and the issue is now dismissed as there are no remaining unresolved claims.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and secondary service connection for obesity, which is a result of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right foot plantar fasciitis. The decision also acknowledges that the Veteran's OSA may be due to his weight gain caused by these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was received on December 30, 2019. The effective date of the award is set at that time as there is no earlier formal or informal claim found in the record and the evidence does not reflect a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to this date.

The Veteran's radiculopathy and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease are currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is warranted for both conditions. The case is being remanded to correct any errors in the AOJ decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, right arm/shoulder disability, and headache (including tension and migraine) are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of March 1, 2021. The decision is based on the receipt of a supplemental claim within one year after the initial intent to file a claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error in the initial decision, and requests additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been granted an initial rating of 20 percent, effective June 25, 2015. The condition is rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine due to its impact on forward flexion.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating based on multiple, noncompensable service connected disabilities prior to August 26, 2021 is granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including obesity as an intermediate step.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for costochondritis is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a 100% rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for back disability prior to December 5, 2019 and thereafter is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not show impairment warranting a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings of 20% for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are denied as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting such a rating.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not show entitlement to an earlier effective date under any applicable law and regulations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for sleep apnea, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD, but more information is needed for a definitive decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to weight gain caused by his service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 50 percent rating of sleep apnea was denied. The Veteran also received a grant of special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board has determined that the VA examination reports are inadequate and a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's OSA, its relationship to service, and whether it was aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

Service connection is granted for deviated septum, back disability (lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis), left elbow lateral epicondylitis, left wrist tendonitis, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder), non-allergic rhinitis, enlarged tonsils, anemia, and disability manifested by widespread muscle and joint pain.,Service connection is denied for tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his obstructive sleep apnea. The VA needs to obtain an addendum medical opinion to determine if PTSD aggravated the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has denied service connection for a left hip condition, obstructive sleep apnea, fatigue (other than obstructive sleep apnea), and hypertension. Service connection is granted only for obstructive sleep apnea on the basis that it is proximately due to or the result of service-connected low back disorder and radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to a new law (PACT Act) that requires a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, which is presumed related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claim will be reconsidered in light of this new information.