Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to clarify whether the condition had its onset in or is otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Board has requested an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea, considering a December 2014 VA treatment record and January/July 2016/2017 Sleep Apnea Disabilities Benefits Questionnaires. The decision will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating effective January 4, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, finding that they are not related to service. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is not related to his period of service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 11, 2014 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The other conditions were not rated higher.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which she claims is related to her service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed sleep apnea disability.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with arthritis did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 4, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's complex sleep apnea syndrome existed prior to his military service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not service connected, and his right knee disability does not cause or aggravate his left knee disability.,The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU as of April 16, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea disability is not related to his active duty service, including any service-connected condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed, including service treatment records and a VA examination for the Veteran's TBI, IBS, and respiratory disorder claims. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that it is as likely as not that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea began in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for lumbar strain remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining an opinion regarding his bilateral hearing loss and issuing a Supplemental Statement of the Case for the remaining issues.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service and the Board has determined that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back condition, a right shoulder disability, and a cervical disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board found that there was no in-service event or injury related to these disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, GERD, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his active military service.