Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or any related conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and sarcoidosis are currently rated at 50 percent, with the use of a breathing assistance device for sleep apnea. Sarcoidosis is rated based on its pulmonary involvement.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not manifested in service and is not causally related to his service, including as due to asbestos exposure. Therefore, service connection for sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation for migraine and tension headaches from January 20, 2015, was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sleep apnea is etiologically related to his service-connected disabilities of dysthymia and lower leg compartment syndrome, which are considered secondary to his sleep apnea. Therefore, the claim for service connection on a secondary basis is granted.

The Board is remanding the claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from relevant facilities and notifying the Veteran of any inability to obtain requested documents.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including a respiratory disorder other than sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected status-post left 7th and 8th ribs fracture with residual pain and bone deformity is rated at 10 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted a rating in excess of 20% effective February 8, 2012. The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted a rating in excess of 20% thereafter.

The case is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development. The appellant and his representative will be given an opportunity to respond.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete development ordered in a previous May 2015 decision. The earlier effective date claims and service connection claims are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and migraines are service-connected, with the preponderance of evidence supporting these claims. The remaining leg and foot disorders have not been fully addressed in this decision.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for hypertensive vascular disease and granted it. The Veteran's other claims are pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sleep apnea or insomnia, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and scoliosis is being remanded due to the need for further examination and review of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea was incurred during his active duty, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his claims from appellate status, and the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including cataracts, ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and blepharochalasis. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an updated VA examination.