Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain with spondylolisthesis and degenerative changes has been rated at 40 percent since May 20, 2014. The rating is based on functional loss due to limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches has been granted. The claims for a compensable disability rating for hypertension and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and vertigo, to include as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss, have been remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder and granted it. The issue of right leg numbness secondary to lumbosacral disc herniation is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board is remanding all issues for additional development and records.,The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded due to the need for additional records, including military personnel records and service treatment records.,The VA psychiatric examination in January 2018 did not provide a clear opinion on the etiology of the acquired psychiatric disorder. A new examination is needed.,VA lumbar and cervical spine examinations were inadequate and require further evaluation to determine functional impairment due to pain, weakness, fatigue, or incoordination.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 17, 2008 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his last date of employment.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred during service and the Board found no causal relationship to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a lumbosacral strain, a cervical strain, right foot metatarsalgia, left foot metatarsalgia, and residuals of an injured ring finger of the left hand. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a rating of 40 percent effective July 17, 2018. A separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability is also granted. The Veteran’s chronic sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for depressive disorder, TDIU, and service connection for sleep apnea due to potential new evidence and need for further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining and considering VA treatment records, as well as inadequate prior examinations. The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine condition is considered in determining if he requires aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection. The issues of joint pain, IBS and sleep apnea are remanded for further examination and review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by weight gain resulting from his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right and left shoulder strains, and a low back disability. After considering all evidence in favor of the Veteran, the decision grants service connection for OSA.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence indicating its onset during active service or being related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran will need further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder, right upper and lower extremity nerve disorders, right shoulder disorder, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), sinusitis, and deviated septum have been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to support these claims.

The Veteran's initial rating for sleep apnea with narcolepsy was granted at a 50% level. The service connection claim for computer vision syndrome was denied, and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings of chronic lumbar strain and pes planus were remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus based on continuity of symptoms since service. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and/or medication is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine myofascial strain is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not show forward flexion limited to at least 60 degrees or favorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine, which are required for a higher rating. The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (to include as due to service-connected PTSD) is remanded for additional clarification and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea may have onset during his active duty, but further examination is needed to determine if it began during a period of active service or is related to an incident of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease.