Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of lower back condition, sinus condition, and sleep apnea.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's pes planus is rated at 50% disabling.

The Veteran's chronic obstructive sleep apnea is granted as service connected. The Board also remanded the cases for additional examinations and rating determinations due to new evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected narcolepsy. His sleep disorder, claimed as obstructive sleep apnea and primary insomnia, is denied. The maximum disability rating of 80 percent for narcolepsy is granted.

The Board has found that further remand is required to obtain the Veteran’s VA treatment records for her cervical and lumbosacral strain conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was withdrawn, and his new and material evidence claim for sleep apnea was denied. His service connection claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder were also denied.,His claim for sleep apnea was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found no link between his current psychiatric disorders and his service.,The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder, including nightmares with an alcohol use disorder, were denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and sleep apnea, as these issues were not adequately addressed in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea, heart condition, sinusitis, and GERD. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for nasal fracture is denied. A 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis is granted. A 30 percent rating for GERD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and have continued since. The decision is based on credible lay evidence and a medical opinion from a sleep medicine specialist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to joint pain, sleep apnea, sinus/nasal condition, headaches/migraines, and acid reflux are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evidence review.

The Veteran's low back condition is related to his active service.,The Veteran has OSA that is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected GERD.,The Veteran has adjustment disorder and cognitive disorder that are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected GERD.,The right hip condition is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims.,Service connection was previously denied in June 1996, and no new and material evidence has been received since then.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease due to insufficient medical opinions provided by the VA examiner. The Veteran is requested to provide additional evidence and authorize VA to obtain relevant private records.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral or cervical strain, benign skin neoplasms, and low back disability. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities are rated at 40% and 30%, respectively, with no higher ratings granted.,Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 10%. Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is also rated at 10%, but only from December 4, 2008 to January 16, 2018. Radiculopathy of the left upper and right upper extremities are both rated at 10%.,GERD with stomach ulcers is rated at 30%. Recurrent sinusitis is rated at 10%, and neuroma of the tip of the left thumb, post partial evulsion with repair, remains rated at 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and depressive disorder are granted.,An initial rating of 50 percent for tension headaches is granted, effective December 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The effective date claim is denied as there was no pending formal or informal claim prior to April 11, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of thoracolumbar strain, neuropathy of the great toes, and flat feet are denied. The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and for flat feet.