Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for a lumbosacral spine disability. The Board denied an increased rating as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes or additional loss of function due to pain.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the minimum schedular rating for mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The Board denied an increased rating based on the examiner's characterization of the condition as mild and lack of more severe symptoms.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the minimum schedular rating for mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The Board denied an increased rating based on the examiner's characterization of the condition as mild and lack of more severe symptoms.

The Veteran's left and right wrist symptoms are attributed to his service-connected fibromyalgia. The Board finds that the weight of evidence is against the Veteran’s claim for a separate diagnosis of a left and right wrist disorder other than fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service-connected surgical scar associated with degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as it is not deep or cause limited motion in an area exceeding 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.).

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinions are inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for bilateral hallux valgus, arthritis of the feet bilaterally, sleep apnea, and PTSD. The claim for increased disability rating for calluses of the left toes was granted with a 10% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, with degenerative changes.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as rosacea, is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam due to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's skin condition and whether it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and chronic depression, are granted. Service connection is denied for OCD, dissociative identity disorder, bipolar disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings, initial compensable ratings, and service connection due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues. The Veteran's right knee disability remains at a 10% rating, his scar is not rated higher than noncompensable, and his bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's low back disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition during the appeal period.,Service connection for hypertension is granted, with an initial rating of 30 percent based on recurrent stone formation requiring treatment.,The Veteran's nephrolithiasis is rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7508.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including upper back disability, hypertension, respiratory disability (due to asbestos exposure), leukemia, and thymoma cancer with hyperpigmentation and surgical scar, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,Specifically, the Board is requesting that VA provide a medical examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, including for tinnitus, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and PTSD. The exposure basis is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.

The application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,Service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus is granted.,Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied.,Service connection for COPD is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.,Service connection for a libido condition, to include erectile dysfunction, is denied.,Service connection for a disability manifested by insomnia is denied.

The Board has determined that new evidence was submitted after the prior final denials of service connection for sleep apnea and tension headache, warranting readjudication.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have begun during his service, and the Board grants service connection for OSA.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeals for further consideration of all evidence received since February 13, 2017. The issues include service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypercholesterolemia (claimed as cholesterol), leukocytopenia, and diabetes mellitus, type II (DM) are all granted. The effective date of the awards is April 25, 2019.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his condition began during active duty and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.