Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as total (100%) with an additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60%. The Veteran's TDIU was based on multiple service-connected disabilities, not a single disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for mixed sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a finding that it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected back disability and/or PTSD, to include as due to obesity as an intermediate step.

The Veteran's OSA is caused by his obesity, which was caused by his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities. The Board granted the claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right ankle sprain with exostosis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy associated with degenerative disc disease.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected PTSD and orthopedic conditions.

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 with major depressive disorder (PTSD with MDD). The evidence is in approximate balance regarding whether PTSD with MDD caused or aggravated obesity, which led to OSA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective February 26, 2018. The lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS and spinal stenosis is granted a 40 percent disability rating, effective August 10, 2018.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's OSA and to address the theory of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability alone rendered him unable to sustain substantially gainful employment from August 10, 2018 and he also had additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound effective August 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The effective date of the grants has not been established as they are based on the most recent supplemental claim received.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, with obesity serving as an intermediary step.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for impotence, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions as there is no persuasive evidence that they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back condition is being remanded due to the need to obtain private medical records from three providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is required to attempt to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicide agents, water contaminated with PFAS, and/or jet fuel during his periods of service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from being able to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. The Board denied the Veteran's request for VR&E benefits as he did not meet the criteria for an employment handicap.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or toxic exposure, and to establish whether there is a nexus between the condition and the Gulf War TERA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for OSA.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for vertigo, migraines, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The decision finds that obesity, caused by PTSD, is a substantial factor in causing or aggravating OSA.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions in the VA examination reports, and additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.