Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his spine disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and hallux valgus have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain and new evidence supports this reopening. However, no new or material evidence was found to reopen the claims of service connection for duodenal ulcer, diabetes mellitus (including as due to in-service herbicide exposure), and hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's right shoulder and lumbosacral spine disabilities were aggravated by an error in judgment or an event not reasonably foreseeable, warranting compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals regarding the reopening of claims for sleep apnea, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral knee disability. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider these matters.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the combined effect of all his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, including his now service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed residuals of facial trauma, headaches, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis has been rated at 40 percent since the appeal began, and there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 10 percent since October 1, 2003, and 40 percent since August 23, 2016. The claim for higher initial ratings for cutaneous neuritis of the anterior aspect of the left thigh remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, sleep apnea disorder, and positive TB test. The Veteran's asthma was diagnosed in service and continues to be treated post-service. Her sleep apnea disorder is linked to her period of service based on symptoms reported during service and a subsequent sleep study. However, the positive TB test alone does not constitute a disability for which VA compensation benefits may be awarded.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an effective date of May 17, 2011 for the increased rating of PTSD.,Obstructive sleep apnea was found to be less likely than not caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes, tinnitus, hearing loss, hemorrhoids, hand blisters, and a lung disability to include asbestosis were found to have their onset in service or are related to an in-service event. The upper and lower extremity neuropathies, vision problems including retinopathy, and atherosclerosis including coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease are caused or aggravated by the now sevice-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right third finger and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected residuals of a nose fracture, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea began during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, as well as to address other relevant evidence in the claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD, and his benign asymptomatic pulmonary nodules are related to military service. The other issues have not been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to address lay statements regarding in-service symptoms and observations of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is found to be service-connected due to its presumptive nature based on his Gulf War service. The other conditions are not currently service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and readjudication due to the need for a VA examination regarding his obstructive sleep apnea, an increased rating for PTSD, and consideration of TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, sleep apnea, and enlarged heart due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.