Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for lumbar strain, myositis, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with a 10 percent disability rating effective May 24, 2004. The Veteran's back disability was found not to meet criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, and abductor spasmodic dysphonia. The claim for service connection of abductor spasmodic dysphonia is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the residuals of a pelvic bone fracture, right and left knee disabilities, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea did not warrant higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus at lumbosacral level with referred pain to the left leg was denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, hepatitis C, and a gastrointestinal disorder. The Board denied the remaining claims of service connection for low back, headache, sinus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including radiation exposure, hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, left shoulder pain, hand pain, wrist pain, low back pain, and ankle pain. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that retinitis pigmentosa existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service, thus denying the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring proper notification to the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, nor proximately due to or caused by a service-connected disability. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral spine disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not proximately due to or aggravated by active service, or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected myasthenia gravis and its manifestations.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for his service-connected right shoulder, lumbosacral spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been denied. The VA examiner found no limitation of motion or additional functional loss due to pain, fatigue, weakness, or lack of endurance.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The claim of entitlement to TDIU from April 26, 2000 to June 21, 2006 remains pending.

The Veteran's death was caused by Alzheimer's disease, which is a significant condition contributing to his death. His service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was found to be a contributory cause of death. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death has been granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The appeal is granted as the rating assigned meets the criteria set forth in the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between his sleep apnea and any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the current condition is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.