Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, lumbosacral disability, bronchitis, gastritis, bilateral upper extremity paresthesias, bilateral wrist strain, residuals of bilateral big toe fractures, and headaches have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent effective January 1, 2007. The previous rating of 20 percent from March 11, 2006 to September 7, 2006 has been maintained.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board granted service connection for flat feet and found it had onset during active service. Service connection was denied for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's lumbar strain rating from 40 percent to 20 percent was proper, and denied his request for restoration of the original 40 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that his pre-existing low back disorder was not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been withdrawn.,Service connection is not granted for a left ankle disability. The Veteran's current ankle pain started in 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, but granted service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran is currently rated at 20 percent for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension, which she claims are related to her service-connected GERD and asthma. The Board finds that a medical examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have originated during his active service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for lumbosacral strain, which she contends was caused or aggravated by her service-connected left foot disabilities. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the relationship between her low back disability and her service-connected left foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel board hearing at the RO in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative joint disease of the left hip is granted. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spondylosis deformans is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability was granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent. The issue of TDIU prior to October 9, 2003, was also granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is established as service-connected, and he is granted a rating of 30 percent prior to April 1, 2009, and 50 percent thereafter.,PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the effective date of the grant of service connection. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms include suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function, and difficulty with maintaining social relationships.

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent disability rating for his service-connected scars of the head and body, residuals of left ankle fractures, and residuals of left inferior and superior pubic rami fractures. The lumbosacral strain has not been rated higher.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and sinus disorder. The claim for secondary service connection for right elbow and forearm disorder related to a service-connected fracture of the right 5th finger was also denied.