Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected back disability was granted a 20 percent rating from May 1, 2017. The previous 10 percent rating was restored effective May 1, 2017.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including chronic myositis of the paralumbar spine muscles, cervical spine with pain radiating to the lower extremities, sleep apnea, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus type II, subdural hematomas, headaches, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and alcohol abuse.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and sleep apnea due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service. The Veteran's records do not indicate exposure to herbicide agents during his time at RTAFB Udorn.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities of chronic kidney disease with hypertension and migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability and denied entitlement to an increased rating for DDD of the lumbosacral spine.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 20 percent effective August 29, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder NOS has rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a TDIU rating.,Further development is needed for the claims of service connection for exophoria and bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome.

The service connection claims for a lumbar spine disability and sleep apnea are reopened. Service connection for CAD due to herbicide exposure is granted.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes, CAD, or both is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Increased ratings for left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are remanded for a VA examination.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability as secondary to service-connected left ankle disability is remanded for a nexus opinion.,The Veteran's hypertension claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's back disability claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's initial rating for sleep apnea was denied, and the termination of his 30% rating for restrictive lung disease was upheld. A disability rating of 60% was granted for hypothyroidism from September 6, 2006 to January 23, 2013, and a TDIU was granted during this period.

The Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for diabetes, left knee disability, left foot disability, OSA, and chronic obesity have been granted based on the receipt of new and material evidence. The appeals are remanded for further development in several areas.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back strain and sleep apnea. The cases are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for lumbosacral strain, PTSD, and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to incomplete records and need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic sinusitis, and sleep apnea as a result of exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's private doctor records are needed, and VA examinations are required.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for tinnitus, PTSD, and sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and eye injury have been remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea with associated nocturnal hypoxemia is related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, but has remanded them for further development to clarify periods of active service and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his nonservice-connected dementia was the primary cause of his need for assistance.