Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome was granted, effective February 21, 2013. The initial evaluation is now 40 percent.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the service-connected lumbosacral strain has been rated at 20 percent since February 21, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to February 21, 2013 was granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is rated at 40 percent since December 10, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and sarcoidosis. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD. The remaining issues require additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The remaining issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities; Meniere's disease; and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and a low back disorder are being remanded to obtain additional records. The claim for PTSD is also being remanded as an SOC has not yet been issued.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education and occupational experience, and the Board finds that he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea disability did not have its onset during active service and is not caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition, specifically PTSD. Therefore, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations and a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's service-connected left leg disabilities result in loss of use of the left lower extremity due to residuals of an injury which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of a cane.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of the service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine. The Veteran will need to undergo an orthopedic examination and provide updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination by an appropriately qualified rheumatologist to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's polyarteritis nodosa, including whether it is related to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit sought on appeal remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability and other disabilities. The issue of a TDIU will also be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The issue of increased rating for bilateral pes planus is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea will be reconsidered based on all additional evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The decision addresses the issues of sleep apnea, left ear hearing loss, hiatal hernia, right ear hearing loss, and maxillary sinusitis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea is not related to his military service and is not due to or aggravated by his service-connected asthma.