Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and secondary service connection for migraine headaches has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding whether OSA is caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with chronic pain disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea, with the latter being secondary to the former. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of in-service onset of both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy caused an inability to protect himself against daily environment hazards starting October 20, 2020. Effective October 20, 2020, the Veteran is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, and the Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, plantar fasciitis, migraines, and esophagus disability were denied service connection as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Specifically, the VA examiner found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was less likely caused by TERA exposure. The examiner noted anatomic risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea such as obesity, a short neck, and postmenopausal status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The AOJ will obtain a new opinion from an appropriate VA clinician to address the etiology of OSA and its relationship to service-connected disabilities, including obesity.

Your claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been fully granted, effective from October 18, 2023. The appeal is dismissed as the issue is no longer in controversy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, GERD, and left shoulder disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome but has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a lack of TERA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty to assist errors.,The Veteran's secondary service connection claim for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is also remanded as the AOJ failed to identify and develop a potential intermediate step of obesity as an intermediate factor in causing his OSA. The toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) associated with the Veteran's service locations prior to August 10, 2022, is also remanded.,The Veteran's claim for TERA related to burn pit exposure is remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant.,Service connection for pain secondary to a service-connected condition is denied. The Veteran does not have a current disability of pain that is related to service or a service-connected condition he is not currently compensated for.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been denied. The Board found that the current disability was not related to his active duty service and remanded the claim for headaches due to a lack of adequate examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, finding that there is no established etiological basis that obstructive sleep apnea is caused by PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right shoulders, as well as for obstructive sleep apnea. The decision also grants service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of major depressive disorder. The claims of increased rating for thrombosis and service connection for sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's deviated nasal septum is related to a head-butting injury sustained during service, and service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's OSA is secondary to his service-connected deviated nasal septum, and service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's PTSD is related to a thwarted terrorist attack on US ships in Singapore during service, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for sleep apnea secondary to service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and/or rhinitis. The Veteran is seeking service connection on a direct basis as well.