Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection for sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected PTSD and MDD is granted. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD and MDD is denied as it is earlier than April 30, 2014. An initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and MDD remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed OSA is permanently aggravated by symptoms of his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as it is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service and was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The low back disorder, right shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, urinary disorder, and prostate cancer claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all remaining claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Board finds that the record does not contain adequate VA examinations addressing whether his current COPD was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected lung cancer, and whether his sleep apnea had its onset during active military duty.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to conflicting opinions from VA examiners regarding his hearing loss, radiculopathy, and lumbosacral spine disability. Further examination is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to lack of clarity in his formal appeal and procedural documents, as well as for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and/or medications for PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and service.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of August 10, 2015 for the grants of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was also granted an effective date of January 7, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, COPD, heart disease, and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence in the record. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain private treatment records from Dr. S.M., provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit additional evidence, schedule a VA examination, and adjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea with UARS and latent tuberculosis are currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has determined that an additional VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of these disabilities, as well as any residuals from the pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to the need for an appropriate medical examination.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease. The claims for increased evaluations of atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the bilateral lower extremities and onychomycosis of the feet are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms first manifested in service and are related to his current diagnosis.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his military service, including an accident in 1995. The RO must also attempt to obtain any Air Force service records and ensure all relevant medical records are reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy, cervical degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prior to July 18, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD was rated as 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease is denied. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.