Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis has not resulted in ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months, thus preventing him from receiving a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine whether his conditions began in or are related to service, and provide a complete rationale for any opinions given.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities had its onset during service, and his current hypertension has been continuously treated with medication. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including sarcoidosis, obstructive sleep apnea, and asthma, are not related to his active duty service, including any asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including scheduling a video conference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not have onset during service and is not otherwise related to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no decision was made on whether new evidence had been presented or if service connection should be granted for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's facial numbness is service-connected as a residual of reconstructive surgery. The claim for increased evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea remains at 50% and is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding his conditions.

The Veteran's request for a personal hearing has been addressed, and the case is being remanded due to his failure to respond. The appeal will be handled in an expeditious manner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for liposarcoma of the right thigh, including as due to his service-connected myotonic dystrophy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability, finding no link between his in-service injuries and his current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with sciatica (lumbar spine disability) is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a separate compensable rating for left lower extremity impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is not related to service, including his reported in-service symptoms of snoring, fatigue, headaches, and memory loss. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran's current condition is due to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea in February 2002, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability. The Veteran did not appeal this decision and it became final.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The claim of sleep apnea was withdrawn by the Veteran during his October 2016 hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining private medical records. VA examinations will be conducted to assess current psychiatric disorders, sleep disorder, and hypertension.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) during the appeal period. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his military service.,The Veteran also claimed entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, neurological problems, muscle and joint pains, right hip disability, and a lumbosacral spine disability. However, no examination or medical opinion was provided in this case.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis, and thus denied the claim for service connection.