Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and other procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection and evaluation of the Veteran's sleep apnea and anxiety and depression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and depression, as well as sleep apnea. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.,Service treatment records did not indicate any signs or symptoms of mental health issues during service. The earliest diagnosis was in 2010, which is more than a decade after separation from service.

The Veteran's cause of death (hypertensive cardiovascular disease) is not related to his service-connected conditions, and there is no evidence that any of his service-connected disabilities contributed to his death. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability since October 15, 2014 due to his service-connected conditions. The Board has granted this claim effective from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vision disorders and obstructive sleep apnea did not have their onset in service or are otherwise related to a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including adjudicating the issue of increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and readjudicating the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with headaches that began in service and tinnitus linked to acoustic trauma during service. The Board finds these conditions are related to his military service.,The Veteran reported symptoms of sleep apnea since 1995, coinciding with his service period. A VA physician opined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea is likely due to in-service exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral ankle conditions. The evidence received since the last final denial is considered new and material as it relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims (current diagnoses of these conditions).

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's deviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence of a broken nose or any other relevant condition during his active duty. The right ear hearing loss was also denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology after service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed respiratory disability and denied service connection for this condition. The Board also did not find any evidence of asbestos exposure during service, which was necessary to establish service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux esophagus gastritis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 14, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea disability is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and review the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating for lumbosacral strain in excess of 10 percent before August 3, 2016, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional information and medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not due to service, specifically his in-service nasal surgery. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim (including PTSD) will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain disability precludes substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical advisory opinion to address whether chronic idiopathic pleurisy caused or aggravated the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.