Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and examination, particularly regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea and coronary artery disease.

The claim of service connection for PTSD is denied. The appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder, claimed as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, convulsive tic (tremors), and restless leg syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran's asthma with sleep apnea is now rated at 100 percent effective December 14, 2017.,Prior to this date, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his period of service, and therefore, service connection for tinnitus is denied.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left upper extremity neuropathy. Service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy is not warranted.,For the period prior to May 29, 2018, the Veteran's left elbow disability manifested in arthritis with normal range of motion and no pain on examination. A noncompensable rating is appropriate from that time. From May 29, 2018, a 10 percent rating is appropriate for limitation of flexion.,For the period prior to May 29, 2018, the Veteran's left elbow disability manifested in arthritis with normal range of motion and no pain on examination. A noncompensable rating is appropriate from that time. From May 29, 2018, a noncompensable rating is appropriate for limitation of extension.,Service connection for arthritis (claimed as gout) is remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded.,Service connection for residuals of TBI is remanded.,Service connection for headache is remanded.,Service connection for a vision disability is remanded.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are granted service connection. The left knee disability is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his periods of active duty. An initial rating of 10% is assigned for the left hand fracture.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral spine degenerative disease with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to her in-service injury. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's OSA is denied as not incurred in service, not due to exposure to pollutants during his Gulf War service, and not secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's discharge was not due to willful and persistent misconduct, thus allowing VA benefits. The issues of service connection for low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and sleep apnea are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sleep apnea, finding that it is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine strain, left foot disability, and left ear hearing loss are all rated at the lowest possible level (10%) due to their current severity.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated by active service, and its incurrence or aggravation during such service may not be presumed. The Board denied both direct service connection for the condition and secondary service connection based on a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that further clarification and medical guidance are needed regarding the nature of the Veteran's service-connected low back disability, including whether other conditions such as lumbosacral DDD or scoliosis should be considered part of her current service-connected entity. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's back disability has not been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected back disability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal disabilities are found to be the primary cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, which is granted as secondary.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and headaches are found to have caused her obstructive sleep apnea, which is now granted as secondary to these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected ischemic heart disease and had no relation to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment, leading to a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,Service connection is also granted for a left knee disability that is proximately due to his service-connected right knee disability.