Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened and granted for gastroenteritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety), hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and OSA. Service connection was also granted for OSA as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition and disability manifested by atypical chest plain, to include as a result of heart disease and non-cardiac costochondritis is denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of such conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also denied. The Board determined that the evidence does not support finding that his sleep apnea began during active service or was related to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not result in total occupational and social impairment, but he experienced significant functional limitations. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.,For the left knee strain, there is no evidence of compensable limitation beyond the minimum required by Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion).,Similarly, for right knee strain, there is no evidence of compensable limitation beyond the minimum required by Diagnostic Code 5261 (limitation of extension).,The Veteran's hypothyroidism does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7903.,There is insufficient evidence to support service connection for COPD or Sleep Apnea.,Service connection for Chloracne was denied due to lack of nexus between current condition and in-service exposure.,No new evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for skin disability.

The Board has decided that the VA needs to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his sleep apnea, including any obesity and its impact on his sleep apnea.

The claims for OSA, GERD with Barrett's disease, and a heart condition (claimed as cardiomyopathy) are remanded due to the need for further development.,The claim for melanoma is denied as there is no evidence that it was caused by exposure to ionizing radiation or ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for positional sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability. The claims for atrial fibrillation, stroke (TIA/CVA), and aphasia are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and addressing whether it is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as incurred during the Veteran's tour of duty in Kuwait.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was not rated compensable prior to May 11, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his service-connected viral meningitis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The claims for bronchitis, acute chronic sinusitis, and acute chronic pharyngitis are denied as there is no evidence that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for dry eye syndrome due to insufficient medical evidence addressing whether his condition is related to burn pit exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sinusitis and GERD have been withdrawn.,Service connection has not been granted for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, or lumbar spine with degenerative joint disease.

Service connection is granted for polyuria with incontinence. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims for service connection, increased ratings, and earlier effective dates.,Specifically, the AOJ must provide an SOC addressing the issues of increased ratings for bilateral pes cavus, left upper extremity radiculopathy, degenerative joint disease and IVDS of the cervical spine, and tinnitus, as well as earlier effective dates for these disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation are being remanded for further evaluation due to the submission of medical journal articles supporting his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence linking her current condition to her military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and left knee condition have been denied. The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea and left knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the service-connected tinnitus. The claims for increased ratings for service-connected acne and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and hypertension have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) is remanded due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between the disorders and service. The claim for service connection for prostate cancer is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and hypothyroidism as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease due to insufficient aggravation opinions in a previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and will allow him another opportunity to appear for the examination.