Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine if the knee brace prescribed for his service-connected right knee disability results in wear and tear to his clothing, which would qualify him for an annual VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated assessment of his eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, given changes in his employment status and combined evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral spine joint disease with spondylolisthesis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional records.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred at Providence Centralia Hospital is being remanded due to the lack of relevant records. The AOJ will obtain any missing treatment records and daily notes from November 19-20, 2012.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea, left knee patellofemoral syndrome status post medial meniscectomy, and sinusitis have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a medical examination of his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence regarding service connection claims, including mental disorders, hypertension, respiratory disorders, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's service records show exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to his service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disease with intermittent radiculopathy and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with intermittent radiculopathy. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, SSA disability determination information, and any other relevant evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, considering all relevant factors including his education and occupational background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury. The cervical spine and right shoulder disorders are currently under consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his service-connected migraine headaches and denied both claims.

The Veteran's PTSD, left knee disability, right knee disability, right hand and finger disability, bilateral ankle sprains, and bilateral elbow disability are not service-connected. The VA examiner found no evidence of these conditions in service or related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not manifest during or as a result of his military service and thus, denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea pre-existed his most recent period of active service and if it underwent an increase during this period. The examiner is asked to provide opinions on these matters.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the current severity of her service-connected back disability and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to her active service or aggravated by her service-connected back disability.

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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and lumbosacral strain disabilities have been evaluated based on their current manifestations, with the highest rating of 30% for bilateral pes planus. The lumbosacral strain has not met criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea is related to active military service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service connection for blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa is granted, and he is also entitled to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.