Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for DDD and DJD of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as OSA. The VA will obtain any outstanding VA treatment records from Montgomery VAMC beginning January 1, 2011, and provide the Veteran with a new VA examination to address the etiology of his thoracolumbar spine disorders and OSA.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder aggravates his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to both his in-service toxic exposures and his service-connected PTSD, resulting in a grant of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbosacral strain (claimed as low back pain) is remanded due to incomplete examination findings and the need for additional testing.

The Veteran's back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea were not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The evidence does not establish continuity of symptomatology for these conditions.,The Veteran's hand or finger disability was not related to his service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and service connection due to credibility issues with the Veteran's statements. Additional development is required, including a new examination to address the nature and severity of lumbosacral spine disability and peripheral neuropathy in each extremity, as well as toxic exposure risk activities during service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for his neck condition was dismissed as he withdrew the issue prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for lower back injury residuals, with a grant of service connection in this case.,The claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depressive mood, depression, anxiety) are remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, headaches, and GERD are granted as secondary to service-connected MDD.,Service connection for a bone condition and thyroid nodules is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for lumbosacral spine and right lower extremity sciatica disabilities have been dismissed as they were fully granted in a previous rating decision. The claim to reopen his thoracic spine disability has been granted, but the case is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issues include arthritis, osteoarthritis of the jaw/mandible, sleep apnea, and dental disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, psychosis, and insomnia. The VA medical opinions are inadequate, and further development is needed to address the claimed stressors and provide additional VA addendum opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a stomach disability has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.,Service connection for sleep apnea is reopened due to new and material evidence being received, but the claim remains pending as further remand is required.

The Veteran's chronic sleep impairment and obstructive sleep apnea are found to be secondary to his service-connected Meniere's disease with bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, joint pain, and muscle pain are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability and obstructive sleep apnea on the basis of secondary service connection, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not caused by or related to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension and adjustment disorder, respectively.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is now rated at 40 percent from June 30, 2021. His right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 20 percent rating since May 5, 2021.