Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service. The case needs to be reviewed and an addendum opinion provided by a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including for erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and a headache disorder. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are not specified as they are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are granted a 10 percent rating prior to January 9, 2020. No higher rating is warranted for any time period on appeal.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective November 18, 2009. He also receives additional SMC benefits for need of aid and attendance and housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability. The effective dates for granting service connection were set at October 28, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of its onset during service or within one year following service. The Board also found that it is not related to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted an increased rating of 40 percent, effective June 20, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and persistent depressive disorder have caused total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. The Board has also granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (GERD and gastric-type mucosa with chronic gastritis) is granted as service connected. The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issue of TDIU prior to May 25, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is granted. The claim for an increased rating of 30 percent for tinea versicolor, prior to September 16, 2014, is also granted. However, the claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for tinea versicolor, from September 16, 2014, is denied. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with its remand instructions and thus the appeals are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for deviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea as a residual of deviated septum repair. The right knee disability and residuals of a deviated septum repair are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral painful hips, knees, ankles, sleep apnea and high blood pressure are remanded due to the need for further development regarding his service dates and VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's condition was incurred during active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability and an increased rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these disabilities to his active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not originate during his active duty service and is not related to any in-service injury, event, or disease. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred during service.

The claim to reopen service connection for bipolar disorder is granted. The claims for service connection for ulcer, chronic bronchitis, COPD, sinusitis, OSA, and GERD are denied.