Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an opinion addressing whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by their service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, left and right knee disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lumbar spine disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hip strain of the right lower extremity, and numbness and tingling of the right lower extremity. The decision also remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of his GERD and for an etiological opinion regarding his low back pain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for eczematous dermatitis prurigo nodularis was denied as the evidence did not show systemic manifestations associated with the skin condition.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his 60 percent rating for eczematous dermatitis prurigo nodularis was denied because the increase in disability occurred more than one year prior to the date of claim.,Service connection for a depressive disorder was granted, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the depressive disorder was also granted.,The claims to reopen service connection for cervical spine, low back, and right knee disabilities were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Hypertension, prostate cancer, anemia, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity were all denied as not incurred or aggravated by service or exposure to herbicide agents.

Service connection for undiagnosed joint pain, lumbar spine disorder, left inguinal hernia, and skin disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claims for PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA opinion is incomplete and requires further development to determine if any of the Veteran's claimed disabilities are related to service or a service-connected condition, including deviated septum.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain and left hip strain. The cases of increased disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, residuals of a left hip strain, and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for visual acuity impairment, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea syndrome due to new evidence submitted since the July 2008 rating decision. The case is remanded for further development.

Service connection for tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, right knee strain, PTSD, sinusitis, and rhinitis (bacterial and allergic) is granted.,An effective date prior to February 17, 2016, for the grant of a 10 percent rating for right ankle strain is denied. Service connection for PTSD, sinusitis, and rhinitis (bacterial and allergic) is also granted with an effective date of February 17, 2016.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's tinnitus, MDD with alcohol substance abuse, and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. However, the effective dates for these conditions are October 11, 2016.,The claims of service connection for tendinitis, left ear hearing loss, glaucoma, a thoracolumbar spine disability, COPD, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, and stomach ulcer remain pending. Further development is needed to determine the current status of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and housebound status due to her service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, deafness, and tinnitus.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, hyperemic nasal mucosa, headaches, and a sleep disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including a new VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea will be reconsidered after reviewing newly submitted evidence.

The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea was reopened due to new and material evidence, and service connection is granted. The Board found the evidence in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current sleep apnea is related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted an initial 100 percent rating for anxiety disorder from July 23, 1991. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 24, 2006 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a higher rating. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD and obesity-related aggravation is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his claims of increased ratings and individual unemployability.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a back disability. The neck, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, and bilateral elbow disabilities were denied as not incurred in or due to service. Service connection was granted for sleep apnea and headaches, but denied for acquired psychiatric disorder.