Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision concludes that OSA is at least as likely as not caused by PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected asthma, as the weight gain and obesity resulting from his asthma have contributed to his current OSA.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for the service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is denied. The claims of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left groin injury (claimed as left thigh muscle stain/pull), and left knee degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence from a September 2019 VA examination, and an additional VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder through the intermediate step of obesity.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of sleep apnea, including a lack of STRs and inadequate opinions. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered with new medical examinations.

The rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, lumbar spondylosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome was restored to 20 percent effective September 17, 2019.,A 30 percent rating for cervical spine strain with degenerative endplate changes at C4-C7 is granted effective May 9, 2019.,A 30 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted effective May 9, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient examination and consideration of lay statements and exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective February 9, 2021. Service connection for sleep apnea has also been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea is at least as likely as not related to his service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board dismissed the appeals for earlier effective date, increased disability rating, and TDIU for lumbar spine disability as the Veteran's August 30, 2023 submission was construed as a motion for reconsideration of an August 10, 2022 decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's PTSD has aggravated his sleep apnea beyond its natural progression.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is required to obtain an addendum opinion from a clinician that addresses the likely etiology of the Veteran's OSA, including whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and/or closed fracture dislocation of the left ankle.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and potential TERA exposure, requiring further development including a new opinion on service connection for OSA.

The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed because there was no proper docketing of the issue and it does not constitute a justiciable case or controversy.

The Veteran's eye/vision, sleep, shoulder pain, and erectile dysfunction disorders are all found to be related to his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection is granted for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's request for an increased rating for his right hallux valgus and lumbosacral strain was denied. The Board found that the Veteran is already receiving the maximum rating allowed under current criteria, and a higher rating is not available. For the lumbosacral strain issue, the Board determined there were insufficient examination findings to determine the severity of the disability and thus remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea was denied as the earliest claim was filed in February 2019. The Board also remanded claims for service connection of left and right knee conditions.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for sleep apnea was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating.