Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea did not have its onset during active service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his military service, including as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis with allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 40 percent, effective from July 24, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during his periods of active service, including based on symptoms first noted in service. As a result, the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied, while his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, CFS, IBS, and sleep apnea are granted. The lumbar spine disability is also granted as in-service. No rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records. The issues of service connection for a back disorder, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether hypertension and sleep apnea are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had onset during active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder secondary to Gulf War exposure remains unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have aided in the development of his OSA, and it is as likely as not that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aids in the development of his seizure disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic heart and lung conditions, including ischemic heart disease, were incurred in service. These conditions substantially contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear SNHL and liposarcoma are not service-connected as they were not caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine disability with IVDS and right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and rotator cuff tear, obstructive sleep apnea, and lumbar strain with DDD and bulging discs. The claim for a right knee disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing before the Board.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service, and whether it was caused or permanently aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including scoliosis, is rated at 20 percent effective August 6, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence. The skin condition claim is related to exposure to an herbicide agent, sleep apnea may be related to PTSD or service-connected conditions, hypertension is presumed related to service, and erectile dysfunction must be evaluated in relation to his hypertension.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, and left shoulder rotator cuff disorder are all found to be related to his service-connected left ankle disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.