Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left ankle, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, right ankle, sleep apnea, bilateral knee disabilities, sinusitis, and PTSD. The issues have been remanded for further development in several cases.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is incomplete and remands the case for a new examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection on multiple conditions is being remanded due to the need for VA examinations and medical opinions. The claims include asthma, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, a skin condition, sleep apnea (to include as secondary to PTSD), GERD, low back disability, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his sleep apnea, specifically whether they cause or aggravate his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been denied as it is not secondary to a service-connected condition or caused by an in-service injury.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 9, 2022, has also been denied due to the presence of other service-connected disabilities that allow him to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, OSA, and hypertension are not granted. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine condition and obstructive sleep apnea, both related to his service-connected cervical spine disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions. The remand requires additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, specifically addressing toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) including burn pits, Camp Lejeune contaminated water, and other toxins. Additionally, it requests an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected chronic cough may aggravate his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from following a substantially gainful occupation for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify from July 12, 2013 to May 3, 2018.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder surgery and sleep apnea, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his pre-existing conditions that allegedly worsened during service.

The Board has decided to remand several service connection claims due to additional relevant evidence being submitted after certification of the appeal to the Board.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is considered to have started during his active duty service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded as there is evidence suggesting a secondary relationship to his GERD, which is already service-connected.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lateral epicondylitis and olecranon bursitis of the elbow is also remanded due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome, as his representative withdrew these claims. The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether the condition began during service and has been continuous to the present.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's symptoms have been linked to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of lumbosacral arthritis with strain is granted. Claims for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral pes planus, service connection for skin disability (PFB), ankle disability, and TDIU are also granted.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted service connection. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, bilateral dry eyes with an allergic component, and obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

The Board has determined that new VA opinions are needed regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea, including whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities and if those disabilities cause or aggravate his sleep apnea. The claims folder must be forwarded to an examiner for addendum opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and recurrent sleep disability to include obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, as they are related to service in the Gulf War theater of operations.

The appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, tinnitus, left knee tendonitis/tendinosis, and left ankle sprain residuals are dismissed. The appeals regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, TBI with associated headaches and sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain, right knee tendonitis (limitation of extension), and right knee tendonitis (limitation of flexion) are remanded.