Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 20, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the representation and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding his sleep apnea and a statement of the case on the PTSD evaluation issue.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The May 2001 rating decision denying service connection for sleep apnea is not considered to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's claim was denied due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between his sleep apnea and an injury or disease incurred in service or his service-connected nasal septum deviation. An effective date prior to June 23, 2010 for the grant of service connection for sleep apnea is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and/or arteriosclerotic heart disease with coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction, has been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea is related to his military service, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. No service connection decisions were made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease warrants a rating of 60 percent, effective from October 28, 2013. The separate ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy (40 percent), left lower extremity sciatic nerve involvement (20 percent), bladder incontinence (60 percent), and bowel incontinence (30 percent) are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service onset or a link to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are granted, with the exception of his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for parathyroidectomy with history of hyperthyroidism. The remaining issues on appeal include service connection for a left hip condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart condition, all claimed as secondary to service-connected parathyroidectomy.

The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection and disability ratings for various conditions, including restless leg syndrome, bilateral knee disorders, infertility, a lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and scars. The appeals are currently pending due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and finds that it arose during his military service, granting the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea is of service origin and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all his claims on appeal, and the Board has dismissed them.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat foot (pes planus) and plantar fasciitis. The remaining issues of service connection for left knee condition, hypertension, myocardial ischemia/infarction, right knee arthritis, sleep apnea, and left shoulder condition are remanded for further development.