Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for sleep apnea as it was granted in a prior rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations, as well as the provision of proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and left gluteal muscle strain were evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to March 29, 2019. The disability was found not to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for reopening the claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed. The application to reopen a claim for service connection for depression was granted, but the Board also remanded claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was restored to 20 percent effective February 28, 2017.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of March 31, 2015 for the assignment of a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted an initial 20 percent rating prior to August 23, 2017. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration of the Veteran's cervical spine strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disability and sleep apnea, finding no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, left knee strain residuals, and right knee strain residuals. The evidence does not establish a chronic condition that manifested to a compensable degree in service or within a presumptive period, nor is continuity of symptomatology established.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to April 22, 2014 is being remanded due to its inextricability with his previously remanded increased rating claim for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis. The issues will be reconsidered together.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected knee disabilities, bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, a back disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The Veteran also has pending claims seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, residuals of TBI, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's symptoms were not found to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 2013, and he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD. Effective September 13, 2013, the Veteran also had other service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, qualifying him for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has denied service connection for gout, sleep apnea disorder, and flat feet. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if the current disabilities are related to service.

The Board dismissed the propriety of reducing the disability rating for service-connected lumbar spine disorder from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective June 15, 2016. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder with anxiety and depressed mood.,Tinnitus is remanded for a VA audiometric examination to determine its etiology.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for an updated VA examination and medical opinion considering the Veteran’s specific medical history.,Heart condition and high blood pressure are remanded for a VA examination and medical opinion addressing their relationship with service-connected conditions.,Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood remains at issue, requiring an updated VA psychiatric examination.,Right knee instability and degenerative changes with internal derangement remain at issue, requiring an updated VA examination.,Left thigh scar and right hand scarring are remanded for increased ratings based on the Veteran's current medical records.,TDIU is remanded due to the Veteran’s service-connected conditions impacting his employment.,Whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for any lung disorder remains at issue.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his active duty service.

Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss (preexisting).,Service connection is also granted for sinus disorder and GERD. Sleep apnea secondary to service-connected PTSD is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional evidence, including private treatment records.