Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection can be properly adjudicated. The claims are being remanded to obtain updated medical evidence, including a VA examination for sleep apnea and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues of bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral knee conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for lumbar spine conditions, radiculopathies, shoulder conditions, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The appeals are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and musculoskeletal disabilities are found to be the cause of his obstructive sleep apnea. His back disability is granted with a 40% rating from September 23, 2020 onwards for the period prior to that date he was rated at 20%. The left and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are also granted with a 40% rating each.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to address whether the appellant's obstructive sleep apnea and right foot disability are related to service, including toxic exposures during Gulf War service. The opinions must consider the appellant's lay statements regarding in-service onset of these conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are worsened by his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,His hypertension is worsened by his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,Obstructive sleep apnea is caused or worsened by his service-connected allergic rhinitis and PTSD, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The issue is being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD on the basis of aggravation, finding that the Veteran's PTSD resulted in suboptimal compliance with his CPAP therapy, which aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current OSA and his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to service connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, should be remanded due to a lack of an adequate rationale in the June 2019 VA examination and because the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD needs further clarification.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his military service.

An increased 50 percent rating for a thoracic/lumbar spine disability is granted.,Prior to June 21, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment. Since June 21, 2019, his acquired psychiatric disability has made it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,Since June 21, 2019, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected back disability, finding that there was no evidence showing that inactivity due to his service-connected low back disability caused him to become obese and develop OSA.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep disorder, specifically obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements about in-service exposure and symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea should be remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine its relationship to his service.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, secondary service connection, and aggravation of disabilities. The issues include cervical spine arthritis, headaches, bilateral upper extremity nerve conditions, and sleep disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted with a 10% rating. The claim of service connection for tinnitus has been reopened, but the Board finds that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim. Service connection for deviated septum, sleep apnea, and hemorrhoids are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability can be adjudicated. The claims file must be updated with the Veteran's SSA records and earning reports, and the case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The opinions are needed to determine if OSA is caused or aggravated by asthma, and whether obesity/weight gain is a substantial factor in causing OSA. Additionally, the examiner must consider all lay evidence, including the Veteran's statements.