Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The RO has denied the claim for service connection, but a SOC must be issued. The propriety of reducing the rating from 30 percent to 10 percent is also under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have a neurological disability of the lower extremities caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain with lumbar scoliosis.

The Veteran is currently service-connected for several disabilities, but the Board finds that a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management is not necessary for him to obtain or maintain employment in his chosen field.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is found to be the primary cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, and he has been granted a 30% initial rating for sinusitis since June 30, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the effective dates being fixed in accordance with the facts found.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU, as they were not shown to have precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disorder is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. His conditions are currently rated as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a bilateral foot disorder (including plantar fasciitis and pes planus), and a back disorder. The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the right shoulder disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder and depression has been granted, effective from February 23, 2009.

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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim remains denied as there is no physical deformity of the penis with loss of erectile power.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining complete service personnel records and VA treatment records, verifying herbicide exposure in Thailand, and obtaining any relevant documents. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition on a direct basis.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with features of PTSD, now diagnosed as PTSD, is rated at 10 percent prior to July 17, 2014.

The Board has ordered a remand to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records. The appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of her husband's death is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and psychiatric disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain is etiologically related to active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused or permanently aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.