Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine condition is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, and his right hand osteoarthritis does not warrant a compensable evaluation. The bilateral wrist disability has been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his military service, including being secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability has been rated at 40 percent since July 11, 2011. Prior to that date, the rating was granted but not for a period of time when he had less than full forward flexion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disease and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional service treatment records from his second period of active duty.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and medical nexus opinion are necessary to properly resolve the claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as it is related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, effective May 20, 2006. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the left ear hearing loss did not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is attributable to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The cervical spine and left shoulder disorders are currently unresolved issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by his service. The medical evidence did not support a connection to his service, including an in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for lumbosacral strain since January 1, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is currently manifested by chronic back pain with no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 60 degrees; a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine in excess of 120 degrees; normal motion of the thoracolumbar spine; and no muscle spasms, guarding or localized tenderness severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hoarseness secondary to his cervical fusion of the lateral intervetebral disc C5-6 has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, effective from June 2002. The Veteran also receives a separate noncompensable disability rating for nocturia related to his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to inadequate evaluation of the condition. The Board will seek a new VA examination and medical opinion to determine the current severity of the disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions alone are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his bilateral pes planus, sleep apnea, and spastic dysphonia. The Board will consider these findings in their next decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's back disability did not have its clinical onset in service or is otherwise related to active duty or service-connected residuals of a left medial collateral ligament tear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed sleep disorder. The RO/AMC will then review the examination report and readjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic low back syndrome with DDD, T11-S1, thoracolumbar spine was denied. The evidence showed chronic pain and limitation of motion but no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.