Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and cannabis dependence (in remission) associated with lumbosacral strain, with degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as there is no objective evidence that a formal or informal claim seeking this benefit was received by VA prior to November 29, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hip disorders, including arthritis, are not related to his military service and thus cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not incurred during his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has been rendered unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of service-connected disabilities from June 26, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development and consideration of whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma with obstructive sleep apnea and GERD are rated at the maximum available under VA's rating schedule, and he is not found unemployable due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during his service in Iraq, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected recurrent left inguinal hernia caused or aggravated his current left hip degenerative joint disease, lumbosacral spine disability, and neuropathy of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a Memorandum Decision from the Court, including referral of the TDIU issue to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia of the bilateral legs. The claims for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, acid reflux disorder, diabetes mellitus, headaches, and sleep apnea have also been denied as there is no current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in service and is not shown to be secondary to a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Korea and his reported sleep apnea symptoms. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep apnea disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and shortness of breath were denied. The claim for musculoskeletal chest pain is pending due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically addressing whether it is related to service and caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is considered secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as secondary to the service-connected PTSD, has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current level of severity of her lumbosacral spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The issue of whether a higher schedular rating may be assigned must still be considered on the merits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the lack of identification of an available VA medical facility for his service-connected bronchial asthma and other conditions. The case will be readjudicated based on this information.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and to determine any functional limitations due to pain or medication.

The Veteran's diabetes, sleep apnea, and amputation of the left index finger were all incurred during his active military service. Therefore, he is granted service connection for these conditions.