Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of their onset in service or within one year after separation, and the Board finds that they are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service, but his diabetes mellitus is attributable to service.

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and diagnosed as adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder). As a result, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and right lumbosacral radiculopathy have been evaluated based on their current manifestations, with the highest ratings granted for each condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus II is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, or anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his lumbosacral spondylosis without myelopathy, as the previous examination was inadequate.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral open angle glaucoma and cataracts is increased from 10% to 20% prior to November 24, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased rating for erectile dysfunction are not currently before the Board. The claim for PTSD is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lumbosacral strain is related to his in-service injury, and whether it was aggravated by that injury. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, and frostbite residuals require additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The Board then found that the Veteran's current sleep apnea had its onset in service, establishing a nexus between his active duty service and his current condition.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,His sleep apnea claim was denied as he does not have a diagnosed condition of sleep apnea, but rather insomnia related to his service-connected anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. For the lumbar spine disabilities, a remand is required as the most recent VA examination did not include range of motion findings in accordance with Correia v. McDonald.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea and gastritis/GERD, as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active duty service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed sleep disorder. The Veteran is seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which was initially diagnosed in service and noted on his chronic problems list.

The Veteran's claim for a 50 percent rating for migraines prior to October 4, 2010 is denied. The effective date of the grant of special monthly compensation based on housebound status is set to October 4, 2010.

The Board found that the Appellant's pre-existing scoliosis did not worsen during his periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, thus denying service connection for both thoracic spine and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a sleep disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is not attributable to service, service-connected disabilities or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of stroke, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as these conditions are not related to his active military service or presumed herbicide exposure.