Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied as no indication of intent to apply prior to November 26, 2014 was found.,Service connection for asthma (claimed as a lung inhalational injury) is granted based on the onset during service and continued since then.,The Veteran's TBI claim requires clarification due to insufficient rationale in the August 2017 VA examination report.,A new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the low back disability (DDD at L4-L5).,Left wrist and left shoulder conditions require a new VA examination for proper assessment.,Hypertension, gastroenteritis, and sleep apnea are remanded issues as no specific service connection theory or exposure basis is provided.,Service connection for asthma (claimed as a lung inhalational injury) is granted based on the onset during service and continued since then.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability. The Board has decided that the application was not filed before May 12, 2008 and is remanded to provide notice about potential earlier dates.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected insomnia.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, DM II, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The claims for hypertension (high blood pressure), Barrett’s syndrome, and essential tremors are remanded for further development.,VA will obtain the Veteran's private medical records from his PCP and cardiologist regarding his essential tremors. If these records are not available, VA should explain why they cannot be obtained. VA will also arrange for a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran has hypertension due to service-connected disabilities or exposure to herbicide agents.,VA will obtain the Veteran's private medical records from his PCP and cardiologist regarding his essential tremors. If these records are not available, VA should explain why they cannot be obtained. VA will also arrange for a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran has Barrett’s syndrome due to service-connected disabilities or exposure to herbicide agents.,VA will obtain the Veteran's private medical records from his PCP and cardiologist regarding his essential tremors. If these records are not available, VA should explain why they cannot be obtained. VA will also arrange for a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran has essential tremors due to service-connected disabilities or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions were denied, and the rating for his lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities and his obesity, as well as whether obesity is aggravated by these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder condition, the relationship between his left shoulder arthritis and his service-connected right shoulder disability, the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability, and the relationship between his sleep apnea and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent chronic sinusitis (also claimed as allergic rhinitis) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but denied service connection for a right knee condition. The decision is based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The rating for tinnitus remains at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. Service connection was not granted for arthritis or sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no credible evidence to support his allegation of an in-service injury and concluding that any current lumbar spine disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis has been remanded by the Board.,Service connection for OSA and GERD with Barrett’s esophagus have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn caused his OSA. Therefore, the claim for service connection for OSA is granted on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the current schedular evaluations adequately reflected his disability levels, and there was no evidence of exceptional or unusual factors warranting extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability recognized by VA.,Service connection is granted for obstructive sleep apnea, which was aggravated by his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood with polysubstance dependence (psychiatric disability).,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches, which are proximately due to his service-connected psychiatric disability.,The issue of service connection for tinnitus remains pending as a remand is required.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain does not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for arthritis, flat feet, OSA, and respiratory disorder (including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis) are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, including prescription medications taken for treatment of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric condition, sleep apnea, and headaches are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea and psychiatric disability to include PTSD has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.