Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic low back strain with spasm is pending.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, which is now granted.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded another VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability and whether he is unemployable due to this condition.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service, including periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause him to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for higher ratings for right hip degenerative joint disease and sleep apnea can be decided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea, TMJ, and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to verify whether the Veteran was on Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) in November 2008, and to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea, heart disorder, flat feet, back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, left hip disorder, and right hip disorder are not attributable to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for left knee, sleep apnea, and left ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral disc disease and cervical myelopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a breathing problem, chronic sinusitis, or sleep apnea due to his active duty service and these conditions are not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and PTSD due to military sexual trauma are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent since December 8, 2008. His PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are both rated appropriately.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative joint disease and bilateral knee disability are found to be service-connected as they are proximately due to his service-connected right ankle and foot disabilities. Effective July 18, 2006, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, impairment of sphincter control, and megaesophagus and GERD were denied. The Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for his megaesophagus and GERD under the provisions of Code 7346.

The Veteran's sleep apnea disability required the use of a CPAP machine as of October 28, 2009. The Board granted an effective date of October 28, 2009 for the assignment of a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for central and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred during his military service.