Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied, but he was granted a TDIU prior to February 22, 2012.,His lumbar spine disability is primarily characterized by DJD and IVDS. The most recent VA examination found that forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 90 degrees with pain on motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding his lumbosacral strain and bilateral leg radiculopathy claims.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee chondromalacia, lumbosacral spine disability, cervical spine disability, and left ear hearing loss are currently rated at the lowest possible initial rating of 10 percent. The Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent from August 20, 2013. The Board found that the evidence showed functional loss equivalent to unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine and granted a higher rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae was withdrawn during a videoconference hearing.,The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a sleep disorder as there is no evidence that his current sleep apnea disability is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability caused by or aggravated by his service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for a low back disability, allergic rhinitis, and left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis. The remaining issues are either not addressed or remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sleep apnea as a result of active military service and may not be presumed to have been due to an undiagnosed illness or unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether his condition was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected hypothyroidism, and if so, how much of the aggravation can be attributed to that condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his lumbosacral DDD, but not for the radiculopathy of his lower extremities prior to November 6, 2012.

The Veteran was granted TDIU as of November 1, 2009, due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have ischemic heart disease and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for TMJ, bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis and pes cavus), and bilateral eye disability. The Veteran's skin condition is not related to her in-service conditions or service. Service connection was denied for sleep apnea, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a skin disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions being related to his military service. The cause of death was determined to be end stage heart disease, which also had no direct link to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorders are not rated higher than 10 percent, and his right shoulder tendonitis is also not rated higher than the assigned percentage for the periods specified. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10 percent, and he was granted increased ratings for his lower extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU issue has been raised but not adjudicated.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and right lower extremity sciatica have not been found to warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability prior to the Board's decision.