Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of OSA due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The examiner is requested to determine if OSA is related to service, specifically during active duty, or if it is aggravated by a pre-existing condition like hypertension.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea may be related to service, but needs further examination and evidence to make a determination. The case is being sent back for these purposes.

The Veteran is found eligible for a TDIU beginning October 1, 2009. The Board also remanded the cases for further examination and consideration of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or loss of use.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, neuropathy, and sleep apnea are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is also denied as the maximum schedular evaluation has been assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claims for service connection for insomnia and hypertension. The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during active duty, while his insomnia is not considered a distinct condition separate from PTSD. Service connection for hypertension remains pending as it was not determined whether it had its onset in service or if it is caused by PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed again as it could significantly impact these other claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not present during service and is not etiologically related to his active service, including as secondary to his PTSD. Therefore, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fractured right ankle was granted, with a disability rating of 20 percent effective from the date of the decision. The lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for left and right shoulder disorders, left and right elbow disorders, and bilateral lower extremity varicose veins. However, it granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for sleep apnea and an initial compensable rating for hypertension have been dismissed. The claim for a higher rating for residuals of a gunshot wound, muscle group XIII with scar is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but has not shown total occupational and social impairment. The claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, plantar fasciitis of both feet, and arthritis of the right great toe have been granted. The Board found that there was sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and remanded the issues of service connection for cervical radiculopathy and TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbosacral DDD rating was restored from 40% to 40%, effective December 1, 2010.

The Board has granted TDIU since February 16, 2013. Prior to that date, the combined service-connected disabilities rendered the Veteran unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's OSA is likely related to his time in active service, thus granting service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for sleep apnea and a finger disability due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

Service connection is granted for hypertension, renal insufficiency, back disorder, neck disorder, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder. Headaches, Bell's palsy, and a disability manifested by dizzy spells are remanded due to lack of medical nexus opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD has been granted at a 50 percent level, effective the date of claim. The ratings for lumbosacral sprain and TBI remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and additional evidence, including updated treatment records. The issues of rating his service-connected disabilities and determining whether his sleep apnea is related to service or secondary to PTSD are also being addressed.