Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether his obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis, or aggravated by it.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral foot disability, hypertension, sleep apnea, and cervical spine disability.,New evidence submitted since previous final denial does not establish a new or material fact to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was reopened due to new evidence linking it to his service-connected GERD. The Board granted the claim.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is granted a 40% rating effective May 23, 2016. Other ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity was denied as obesity is not a disease or injury for VA compensation purposes.,The effective date of the grant of service connection for tinnitus was fixed at August 28, 2014, which is the date of the Veteran's original claim.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence showing that hypertension began during service or is related to a service-connected disability.,Service connection for mesenteric ischemia was denied because the Veteran's current condition does not appear to be linked to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for broken toes of the right foot, a right foot disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea due to the unavailability of the Veteran's service treatment records. The Veteran is required to be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the current examination report does not address whether he requires aid and attendance or is housebound.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding hearing loss, increased ratings for tinnitus, otitis externa, and hemorrhoids. The Veteran was granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure, sleep apnea, hypertension, and major depressive disorder have been denied.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date for the award of service-connected right thigh muscle injury has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and a respiratory disorder (claimed as asbestosis) is partially granted. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders are all remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea first arose during his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for sleep apnea and granted it as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's spouse provided credible testimony about his snoring and breathing issues during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear dates of service and need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his military service.

The Veteran's low back disability is not service connected as it was not incurred or aggravated by service.,The right ankle calcaneal spurs are not service connected as they were not caused by the in-service injury and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.,Tinnitus is service connected as it first manifested during active service and is related to noise exposure in service.,Obstructive sleep apnea is service connected as it was incurred during active service due to exposure to smoke, fumes, and exhaust while in service.,The left leg disability is not service connected as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronicity since service.,The right leg disability is not service connected as the primary condition (right ankle calcaneal spurs) is not service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issue of an initial rating greater than 30 percent for a psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's chronic fatigue is related to her military service, including service in Southwest Asia. The appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and his request for AOJ review.