Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient clarification of the symptomatology of his sleep apnea prior and after aggravation by his deviated nasal septum, as well as a request for outpatient treatment records from Brooke Army Medical Center dating back to 1984.

The Veteran's postoperative nasal fracture is found to have been incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected postoperative nasal fracture. Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his sleep apnea. Additionally, an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II must be addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, fibromyalgia, chronic right shoulder strain, chronic left shoulder strain, and right upper extremity neuritis, all effective September 1, 2009.

The Veteran's bilateral leg disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease. His current rating for the lumbosacral spine disability remains at 40 percent.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for sleep apnea, left foot disability, and right foot disability. Service connection is established for these conditions on a secondary basis due to their relationship with his service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, multiple sclerosis, and sleep apnea as these conditions were not incurred or aggravated during his period of active duty from October 1966 to February 1967. The Veteran's National Guard service was considered ACDUTRA and did not qualify him for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was improper and restored the Veteran's entitlement to this disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure all relevant VA treatment records have been considered.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request from the appellant's authorized representative.

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

The Veteran's VPI is due to UPPP performed at a VA medical facility, but this result is reasonably foreseeable and not caused by any carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, judgment error, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including to verify his alleged stressors related to PTSD. The claims will be readjudicated in light of all additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities and determine if she is unemployable due to those conditions.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility on April 23, 2012 was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment.

The Veteran's unauthorized emergency treatment for severe low back pain and leg symptoms on February 1, 2011 is approved as meeting the criteria for reimbursement.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for tension headaches, a sleep disorder, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and skin disorder during the September 2014 Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his sleep apnea and service-connected right knee and left foot disabilities.