Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disorder, but not for hepatitis or right foot disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 2008, and he is now entitled to a TDIU effective January 17, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted. The claims for service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the previous decisions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized as lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome, is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, status post radiation therapy, is rated at 60 percent disabling due to urinary frequency and incontinence requiring absorbent materials more than four times a day. His lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain is also rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to service, but further examination is needed for OSA, hypertension, ED, and GERD.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a sleep disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea, which he believes is related to his service-connected right shoulder disability, right ankle disability, and duodenitis. The case is being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the current sleep apnea is aggravated by these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain has been rated at the highest possible rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, but his left knee arthritis is not service connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and a need for additional examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating prior to September 14, 2013, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, for a lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claimed disabilities, including those involving undiagnosed illnesses, are not shown to be related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and an upper respiratory disability are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, clarification of a previous opinion, and another VA examination.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbosacral spine is productive of significant functional impairment, resulting in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less during flare-ups. The Board finds that a rating of 40 percent (but no higher) for this disability has been met.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to a scheduling issue for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The issues of service connection and increased disability evaluation remain pending.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's current diagnosis of sleep apnea is found to have its onset during active service, and he was treated for symptoms of snoring and cessation of breathing while in service. Service connection is granted for sleep apnea. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a left knee scar status post cyst removal and facial scars as a result of acne vulgaris which had its onset during active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and determined that new evidence received since the last denial supports a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea is related to his active service, and the Board grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his military service. However, the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for sleep apnea or PTSD.,PTSD is not currently diagnosed.