Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the compensable evaluation for the service-connected left hand injury, Barrett's disease, sleep apnea, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral ankle disorder. He also withdrew his petitions to reopen the claims of service connection for a low back disorder and a left eye disorder (astigmatism).

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining specific information regarding his periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea requires the use of a CPAP device, warranting a 50% initial rating since August 1, 2006.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5237. The RO has granted this increased rating based on the criteria for a lumbosacral strain with forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 60 degrees and combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling a neurological examination, and determining the effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected DFSP residuals, including post-surgical resection of the left latissimus dorsi muscle and associated limitation of motion of the left shoulder, are currently rated at 20 percent. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of these conditions based on the criteria for evaluating muscle injuries under Diagnostic Code 5302.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. The RO found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was initially rated at 0 percent, but since May 13, 2008, he has been assigned a 50 percent rating. The appeal is mixed as it concerns both the initial compensable rating and higher ratings since May 13, 2008.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was found to have been incurred during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service records and addressing her claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for panic disorder with agoraphobia and denied service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran has been shown to have sleep apnea that is related to her military service.,The Veteran's shin splints are currently unclear, and an additional VA examination is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's daughter, J.S., was not found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to her 18th birthday due to a mental condition. The evidence does not support the claim for helpless child benefits.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, finding no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown to be related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for a bilateral knee disability due to the lack of any diagnosed condition in service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. Additionally, the Board finds that sleep apnea was incurred during military service.

The Board found that the reduction from a 60 percent rating to a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was proper based on the evidence available at the time.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition and has determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection based on direct causation.