Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his service records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records. The Veteran needs a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disorder and whether he requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims was caused by exposure to toxic fumes and other hazardous substances during his military service. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to clarify whether the Veteran's migraine headaches are caused or made worse by his service-connected lumbosacral strain with disc bulge.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and right ear hearing loss, as well as his attempts to reopen the claim for service connection for sinusitis were denied. The Board also found that there was no evidence of a superimposed disease or injury during active duty service that resulted in an additional disability or aggravation of his congenital Chiari malformation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his low back disability was denied. The claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation were also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and whether it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is less than the schedular percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Board found that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea did not manifest during service and is not attributable to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD or any other mental disorder related to his period of service. The Veteran's diagnosed sleep apnea and hypertension were also not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, kidney disability, respiratory disability other than lung cancer (including throat cancer), and sleep apnea due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with mild to minimal broad-based disc bulge at L4-5 and L5-S1 has been manifested by intervertebral disc syndrome with severe symptoms, recurring attacks, and intermittent relief. The Board finds that the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating have been met.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU prior to April 9, 2014 due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed sleep disorder other than sleep apnea.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and asthma are currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum evaluation available under current criteria.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant's request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of lumbar laminectomy have been granted a TDIU and secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The rating for residuals of lumbar laminectomy remains at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, lumbosacral spine strain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The RO has already granted a 100% rating for coronary artery disease effective October 30, 2014. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be the result of or proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.