Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine has not resulted in ankylosis, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his lay statements regarding symptoms during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and need for clarification of opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to address the causation or etiology of any current upper respiratory disabilities, including any sinus disorders and deviated septum. The examiner should also identify any disabilities caused by the deviated septum.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pelvic floor dysfunction with nocturia and obstructive sleep apnea are related to his active duty service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for headaches as a primary and separately manifested disability, finding that they are part of his service-connected sinusitis or obstructive sleep apnea disabilities. The rating for left ear hearing loss remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new VA examination and requests for relevant medical records. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation and service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to pulmonary sarcoidosis are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between his conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and an initial rating for diabetes mellitus, type II. The issues include cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea, all secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's PTSD is diagnosed and linked to his service stressors, thus service connection for PTSD is granted. The other issues are not addressed as they do not pertain to service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to July 18, 2011 and after that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a compensable rating for headaches with intermittent dizziness. The Veteran's representative will be notified of the need to submit a statement of the case on the headache issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary emphysema, and bronchitis are not service-connected as they did not have their onset during active duty or were not caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a sleep disorder disability. The Veteran is also granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied all issues on appeal, including the propriety of reducing a rating for arthritis of the PIP joint of the left ring finger.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of her service-connected scoliosis of the lumbosacral spine, right hip strain, left hip strain, and left knee strain are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinion, requiring further examination and review.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea is not causally or etiologically related to his military service.