Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that the July 13, 1981 rating decision denying service connection for retinitis pigmentosa was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to a failure to rebut the presumption of soundness. The claim is granted with effective date April 4, 1981.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and granted it, finding that the current diagnosis is related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension and lumbosacral strain with arthritis were remanded for further evaluation. The SMC issue was also remanded due to the inextricability of the issues.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Mellitus, Type II due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's conditions are being evaluated by VA doctors.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and an effective date prior to April 4, 2014, for a 70% rating of PTSD. The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and facet arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss for further evaluation due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, but the Veteran's claim for a right thigh condition remains denied as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to his active duty service. The other reopened claims are also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus (secondary to PTSD), hypertension (secondary to PTSD), asthma, and a right foot disability were denied. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left ankle fracture was granted with a 10% rating effective July 31, 2008. Service connection for PTSD was granted with a 50% rating effective March 26, 2014. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 26, 2014 was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD, chronic bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are currently rated at 60 percent. A separate rating for the obstructive sleep apnea is precluded by law.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, left heel spur, right heel spur, right plantar fasciitis, and left ear hearing loss due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide information about any treatment providers who have provided care related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbosacranal spine is granted. The claim for TDIU is also granted, effective March 1, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and records. The issues of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and no causal relationship to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and tinnitus were denied as service connection was not established, and the initial rating for tinnitus could not exceed 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected acne with rosacea is remanded due to the need for a contemporaneous examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide medical records from his private doctors, and a VA examination will be conducted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including his adjustment disorder and various musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined rating is at the maximum level.

The Board denied service connection for retinitis pigmentosa, finding that the Veteran's eye disability existed prior to service and did not increase in severity beyond its natural progression during service.