Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not shown in service or for several years thereafter, and the most probative evidence indicates that it is not related to his service-connected asthma.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete opinions and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be proximately due to his service-connected asthma, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected condition. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to December 10, 2010. Since then, it has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS with total duration of at least 6 weeks during any 12-month period.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and there is no competent and credible evidence linking his current condition to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbosacral disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination as the last VA examination was more than three and a half years ago.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is permanently aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder degenerative joint disease, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues including service connection claims, increased rating claims, and TDIU. The right ankle disability received a 10% rating, but no higher. Bilateral external otitis remained at the 10% rating. Diabetes mellitus continued to be rated at 20%. Peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was rated at 40%, but no higher.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current sleep apnea is related to his active service, including symptoms he reported during service in Somalia.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder injury, trigeminal neuralgia, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's left shoulder injury is considered to be due to an in-service combat-related injury. His trigeminal neuralgia is found to have been incurred during service, with the onset of symptoms occurring in 1991. His obstructive sleep apnea is determined to be secondary to his service-connected trigeminal neuralgia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to address the etiology of his respiratory and prostate conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability, and for completion of the Veteran's VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative joint disease has been rated at 20 percent since February 9, 2011.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including lower back strain, bilateral knee and ankle disorders, are not related to service or any injury sustained therein.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be etiologically related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The status of the Veteran's hypertension and cervical spine disability service connection claims remains unknown due to missing records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, right lower leg condition, and left lower leg condition. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his claims for right knee injury/condition and GERD.

The Veteran's neck disability is not service-connected as secondary to his lumbosacral strain. The Board also found that a separate rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with his lumbosacral strain prior to June 18, 2013 is not warranted.