Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 10 percent prior to March 18, 2015 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's asthma is being reviewed, as are his claims for COPD and sleep apnea. The Board has determined that a remand is required to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing and the need to issue statements of the case for two issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability based on receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for hypertension as it was incurred in service, with continuity of symptomatology post-service. The claim for sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence that the condition began during or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not cause limitation of flexion to 60 degrees or less, a combined ROM (CROM) less than 120 degrees, or additional neurologic impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and insufficient opinions regarding service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to his active service, including any claimed asbestos exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the condition began during or was caused by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has been reopened, but the issue of service connection for low back disorder remains denied.,Service connection was granted for PTSD. The issues of service connection for bilateral toe disorders, sleep apnea, right thigh disorder, and erectile dysfunction remain unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's account of a nasal injury sustained during active duty is credible and supports his claim. The other issues remain pending for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of some issues related to his prostate condition and sleep apnea. The decision also includes a determination that he is eligible for special monthly compensation.

Prior to July 8, 2013, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with bilateral radiculopathy.,From July 8, 2013, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent for degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis of L5 and S1.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including hypertension, psychiatric disorders, lung issues, head trauma, sleep apnea, headaches, and several other conditions. The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral spine disorder, hearing loss of the left ear, and tinnitus of the left ear as these conditions are related to military service.,Service connection is granted based on direct evidence showing a link between current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with sleep disorder was granted, and a temporary total rating for PTSD with sleep disorder was assigned based on hospitalization. The initial 30 percent rating for PTSD is maintained.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected chronic low back syndrome with intermittent lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The evidence indicates a possible link between the Veteran's current sleep apnea and his military service, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is presumed to have been incurred during active duty service and granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and lumbar degenerative disc disease, as well as chondromalacia patella and degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee, all related to the Veteran's active military service.