Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain results in pain and stiffness, but her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability, and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has not resulted in forward flexion less than 61 degrees, a combined range of motion less than 121 degrees, or an abnormal gait or spinal contour. Therefore, the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional action, including requesting National Guard service treatment and personnel records from any appropriate sources.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection in various issues, including left hand nerve damage, sleep apnea, right hip disability, gastrointestinal disorder, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeals were not granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The evidence received since the previous denials is new and material, and sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially granted with a 10% rating effective October 17, 2008. The RO has since increased the rating to 20%, 40%, and 20% for different periods of time.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran passed away during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the weight of the competent evidence of record is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has tinnitus as a result of his active military service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to incomplete development, specifically the need for an updated VA examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The case is now pending further review.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the current level of disability did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating, as he does not require insulin and restricted diet.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent since the date of his claim, effective from November 13, 2012. The issue of TDIU prior to May 29, 2012 has been referred for further action.

The Veteran's claim of a higher rating for her lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's status-post lumbosacral strain with spondylosis warrants a 40 percent rating from September 7, 2010 onwards.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected adenocarcinoma of the lung, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims is related to his military service and/or his service-connected left deviated nasal septum. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.