Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, with exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's hearing loss and TDIU claims are also addressed.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease were found to not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent before December 2, 2013. From December 2, 2013, the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's bladder hyperactivity is rated at 40 percent, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, right hand disability, sleep disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, and groin pain. The decision also addressed a claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for erectile dysfunction resulting from treatment at VA facilities in December 2005.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral back strain was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for higher disability ratings under the General Rating Formula.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and issuance of a statement of the case regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back, neck, wrist, ankle, and knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for his lumbosacral spine disability, 30 percent for his cervical spine disability, 10 percent for his right wrist injury, 10 percent for his right ankle disability, or 10 percent for his right knee tendonitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mild restrictive defect is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and his PTSD symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete documentation and the need for further development regarding his claims of service connection for sleep apnea, bruxism, and anemia.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to decide the claim, including a need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between sleep apnea and service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the diagnosed lumbar degenerative joint disease is etiologically related to the Veteran's period of service.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected deviated nasal septum and rhinitis. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a sleep disorder is being remanded due to the need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current OSA and his military service.

The Veteran does not have a respiratory disability, to include sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis, that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, but his TDIU claim was granted. The Board found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, but also notes that he has a non-service-connected disability (depression) which may be contributing to his need for assistance. The decision is mixed as it grants special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance but does not grant housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations for the service-connected hearing loss and to determine if allergies, asthma, and sleep apnea are related to service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed OSA was incurred coincident with his active service.