Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected right hip arthritis, left hip fracture with minimal functional loss, left knee arthralgia, and lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected multilevel lumbosacral degenerative spine disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy must be remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar fusion surgery following his service-connected lumbosacral strain was granted temporary total disability compensation. However, the claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain remains denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by service-connected conditions, specifically hyperthyroidism and PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his service-connected lumbar spine disability and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and headaches have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD and depression. The claim for increased rating for urinary incontinence is denied as there is no evidence of renal dysfunction. The claim for increased rating for lumbosacral strain with IVDS remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease are being remanded for further review to determine the cause of his current symptoms and whether they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety), sleep apnea, and pulmonary disorder due to outstanding records and need for further examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for sleep apnea associated with chronic rhinitis with right maxillary antrum sinusitis was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and therefore, restoration of service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dental treatment purposes for traumatic injury of the teeth and oral lesions of the mucosa was denied as he did not meet the criteria for any eligible class.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal to obtain additional government records, including Social Security disability claim and treatment records.,The reopening of a claim for service connection for low back disability is remanded. The issue of service connection for low back disability is also remanded.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service, including any exposure to toxic fumes during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, chronic low back disorder, psoriasis, right knee disability, and right lower extremity disability (including shin splints) have been granted. The appeals are remanded for further development regarding the right knee and right lower extremity disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between his service-connected PTSD and his OSA.

The Veteran's low back condition, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies are granted service connection. A 10% rating is assigned for multiple noncompensable disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is aggravated by his service-connected physical disabilities. His OSA is also aggravated by his acquired psychiatric condition. The highest schedular rating of 50% for headaches has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral strain residuals, forehead scar, and lower extremity radiculopathy have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, respiratory disability (including sinus disability and disability manifested by shortness of breath), acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, and low back disability were not incurred or aggravated during service. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination.