Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the period prior to December 6, 2012.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues currently on appeal, including those related to PTSD, fracture of the left fifth metatarsal, lumbosacral strain, chronic left knee strain, and residuals of right knee gunshot wounds and scars.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during service and is therefore granted as a result of direct service connection.

The Veteran's body aches due to environmental hazards and sleep apnea have been found to be related to service. The initial compensable rating for left elbow epicondylitis has been granted, effective April 15, 2014.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty and obtain STRs. A VA examination will also be conducted to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's current sleep apnea and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.,Further development is necessary prior to a merits analysis of the Veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss and service connection for an ear condition (other than hearing loss).

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for obstructive sleep apnea prior to August 28, 2002, and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent from that date to May 12, 2010, is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for right knee pain. Additionally, the Board finds that sleep apnea is related to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, as evidenced by a VA medical examination report indicating improvement in the condition over time.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that new and material evidence has been received to support these claims.

The Veteran's DJD of the lumbosacral spine was initially rated at 10 percent prior to August 7, 2010. A compensable rating (10 percent) for migraine headaches has been granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected and rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board also granted a higher rating for his anxiety disorder, but denied other claims including those for sleep apnea and arthritis.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's lumbar strain claim, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current level of severity of his disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted. The remaining issues on appeal were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for skin rash, sleep disorder (sleep apnea), and umbilical hernia. The Veteran's conditions are believed to be related to his Gulf War era service exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain was denied, and his TDIU claim is pending. The current rating of 40% for lumbosacral strain remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his military service, including due to any in-service exposure to carcinogens. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of one or both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The Board has granted entitlement to specially adapted housing.