Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and sleep apnea have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for sleep apnea, but the claim for a left shoulder disability remains pending due to the need for additional examination and analysis. The right ankle disability claim is also pending as it requires further evaluation regarding its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated during active service and is not otherwise related to his military service.,Effective dates prior to June 8, 2016 for the grants of service connection for left elbow dislocation with limitation of extension, impairment of supination and pronation, and cubital tunnel syndrome are denied.,The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome) due to inadequate examination and lack of opinion regarding exposure during Gulf War service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be attributable to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to his service-connected low back disability and did not arise during service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) was previously rated at 20 percent prior to November 1, 2011. The Board has remanded the issue for further review.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy was previously rated at 40 percent effective July 14, 2017. The Board has remanded this issue for further review.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy was previously rated at 40 percent effective December 24, 2014. The Board has remanded this issue for further review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen claims for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, asbestosis, bronchitis, and lumbosacral strain. However, the claim for service connection of PTSD is reopened due to newly submitted evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and left leg disability are not service-connected.,The Veteran's back, right knee, and left knee disabilities are not service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, but the right foot disability remains unaddressed due to a duty-to-assist error.,Tinnitus is service-connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including abnormal gait, left and right knee disabilities, breathing difficulties, sleep apnea, hypertension, gastroenteritis, gallbladder removal, chronic constipation, bladder incontinence, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, diabetes mellitus, and restless leg syndrome of the bilateral legs. The claims are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and heart condition as secondary to his service-connected nasal fracture with right deviated nasal septum are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.,The Board is also reopening the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and heart attacks, but these issues will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is remanded as a medical opinion is needed to determine if his current diagnosis is related to his active service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and left foot plantar fasciitis are granted service connection. The Veteran's sinusitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection for gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) and muscle and joint pain due to service in Southwest Asia is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, variously diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted service connection. His cervical spine DDD is denied due to lack of chronicity within the presumptive period. OSA is granted service connection based on aggravation by PTSD. ED secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, cyst in pancreas, right and left Achilles tendonitis, hemorrhoids, residuals of a cholecystectomy, cataracts and glaucoma, chronic kidney disease with hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis has been reopened.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not originate in or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and its relation to service. The Veteran should be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current condition is related to his time in service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, and his bilateral hearing loss and OSA were granted increased ratings. Service connection for sinus disorder is denied.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently evaluated at 10 percent and no higher, due to lack of readings meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 10 percent and no higher. The claim is remanded as there is no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks.,The Veteran's residuals of right ankle fracture are currently evaluated at 10 percent and no higher, due to the lack of evidence showing very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.