Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Board finds that his current sleep apnea is more likely than not caused by his service-connected sinusitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 60 percent rating for residuals of a lumbar spine injury and for TDIU, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that his service-connected disabilities warranted such an increase prior to October 4, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral bunions. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's low back disability has been productive of subjective complaints of pain and difficulty doing strenuous activity, but objective findings do not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease, as well as his claim for service connection for a left knee sprain secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability were denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. His service-connected cervical spine disability remains unconnected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination, is necessary before the claim can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral region post fusion with a right posterior iliac graft and involvement of the right lower extremity cannot be reopened as there is no new and material evidence to support it.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for rhinitis and service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or a service-connected disorder such as PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including a claim for service connection for depression secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are found to be related to his military service. His left knee disability is rated at 10% for the period prior to March 2007, 20% from May 2007 onwards, and a separate 10% rating for limitation of extension is granted. The Veteran's total left knee replacement with scars is also rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches, bipolar disorder, and residuals of a fractured left wrist. The claim for reopening the low back pain was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection and initial compensable rating for various conditions are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is likely to have started during his military service and continues to this day, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated during service and is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently manifested by forward flexion to 55 degrees, extension to 0 degrees, right and left lateral flexion to 20 degrees, right and left lateral rotation to 20 degrees; pain on range of motion; up to 40% decrease in pinprick sensation of the lower extremities; and slightly decreased ability to toe and heel walk on the right. The disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring prescribed bed rest.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and bilateral knee disorders are rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.