Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The appeal for a TDIU rating is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbosacral strain and TDIU prior to February 23, 2016 are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea began during service and granted service connection for this condition. The right ankle disability claim was denied as there is no current evidence of a separate disability apart from the already service-connected right heel spur.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown to be higher than Level I in both ears, warranting a non-compensable rating.,With resolution of doubt in the Veteran’s favor, his bilateral hip disorder is at least as likely as not related to service due to repetitive trauma from military duties.,Service connection for right and left hip disorders is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic back pain in-service caused his current bilateral hip disorder.,The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran’s obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development and opinion regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be further developed with an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and hypertension as secondary to his PTSD disability due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran needs a new VA examination for PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left hand muscle injury are not entitled to a compensable rating, and the issue of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left hand muscle injury is dismissed. The case is REMANDED for further examination regarding service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's current Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) developed during his active duty service, particularly in Iraq where he worked near a burn pit. The Board found that the OSA began during service and was aggravated by in-service toxin exposure.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety and depression. The other claims of service connection are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis caused or aggravated his sleep apnea. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, with the condition having been continuously present since active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and emphysema with COPD. The decision also noted that some issues were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for fibrositus scapulothoracic condition was granted with an effective date of June 1, 2013. The earlier effective date for tinnitus is denied.,The Board has determined that the Veteran’s obstructive sleep apnea should be remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during active service or is related to any in-service disease, event, or injury, specifically his in-service tonsillectomy.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for dependents, finding that the earliest applicable date was April 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sickle cell trait with bleeding and migraines, sleep apnea (Gulf War exposure), erectile dysfunction (secondary to hernia and medications), degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, allergic rhinitis, and inguinal hernia. The Veteran is also requested to provide a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot because he has already been receiving a 100% rating for his service-connected bilateral progressive cone dystrophy and other disabilities, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC) under Section 1114(p). An award of TDIU would not provide the Veteran with additional SMC benefits.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA medical records and need for VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability and remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea, PTSD rating, and TDIU due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected sarcoidosis and its medications. The VA will need to provide a supplemental opinion from a somnologist or pulmonologist.