Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional VA opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus and sleep apnea, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disc bulging and chronic back strain have not resulted in the required range of motion or other criteria for a higher rating, so his initial claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective from February 18, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are of sufficient severity to produce unemployability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection in full, including reopening of previously denied claims and granting new evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities related to his service-connected conditions or any in-service injuries, and therefore, denied all claims of service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and a skin rash to the hands.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is causally related to his active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for schizophrenia was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptomatology, and thus denied this claim. Service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, was also denied as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals from left knee myxoid liposarcoma, status post-radiation and excision, was denied as his disability does not more nearly approximate severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. He is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not considered to be an employment handicap, and she is already employed in a suitable position. Therefore, additional vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing obstructive sleep apnea worsened during his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition on the basis of aggravation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbosacral spine spondylosis, degenerative joint disease of bilateral wrists, bilateral knee replacement, and degenerative joint disease of left ankle as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied his claims for left hip disability and sciatica. The evidence did not show sufficient impairment to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 40 percent disability rating for his service-connected low back disability, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for obstructive breathing, residuals of a fractured nose, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depression and lumbosacral strain, as well as his claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder. The decision also noted that his TDIU claim was reasonably raised by the record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability. The TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with DDD was evaluated at a 10 percent disability rating from March 24, 2005 to October 28, 2008. The right shoulder strain was also rated at 10 percent during the same period.