Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral flat feet, and chronic low back strain are all found to be related to his military service. The claim for increased disability evaluation for the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes was denied, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The claims for service connection of cervical spine and left arm/shoulder disabilities were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as residuals of lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated, with the exception of the residuals of right tibia stress fractures and pseudofolliculitis barbae, which are assigned noncompensable ratings. The RO has granted a 10 percent rating for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for arthritis of lumbosacral spine and PTSD due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease, and no credible link between current disability and service.

The VA determined that the appellant's sleep apnea has caused persistent daytime hypersomnolence but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not require use of a breathing assistance device such as CPAP or result in chronic respiratory failure.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy and right shoulder condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, but his claims for sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that new evidence related to the PTSD claim, while no current diagnosis of sleep apnea or other sleep disorder was established.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability. The appeal for service connection for hemorrhoids was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back condition, which he claims is related to his service-connected right leg disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be properly adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability and service connection for sleep apnea is granted as it was incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain and cervical spine conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted service connection with an initial rating of 20 percent effective December 30, 2005. The issues related to the right foot drop, sciatica, and sciatic sensory radiculopathy were also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss with otitis media was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's current level of hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for her service-connected lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine disc disease is denied due to the proper recoupment of separation pay from VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and COPD were denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, to include arthritis and status post total knee arthroplasty, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain. The effective date remains pending.