Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate January 2013 VA opinion and a need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and undiagnosed illnesses. The case is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, and GERD due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to deficiencies in the Statement of the Case and a need for another VA examination. The issues on appeal are whether he should have his 40 percent evaluation restored, or if he should receive an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her back disorder was denied, as the evidence did not show that her condition warranted an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. Her service connection claims for left and right hip, arm, leg disabilities were also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to his service-connected nasal fracture with deviated septum. A new VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's current sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected nasal fracture.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the left knee are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected low back condition is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder and PTSD, is granted service connection as it is related to his in-service experiences. Sleep apnea is also granted service connection as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically addressing his reported snoring during service and its relation to his later diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of an August 2013 VA examination report. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and therefore his claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. The VA will conduct a new examination and provide medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as non-compensable, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied. The issues of service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and eczema are pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination regarding his obstructive sleep apnea. Increased ratings are also being remanded for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to events in active service, specifically his weight gain during that time.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20% due to limitation of flexion, with no incapacitating episodes. The claim for service connection for deteriorated eyesight was not granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the previous VA examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.