Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral strain was denied by the RO. The RO found that the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension, angina, and angioedema. The claim for secondary service connection for Meniere's disease was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and lumbosacral strain have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected PTSD. As a result, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, left hip disability, and phlebitis of the right leg were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was initially rated as non-compensable and later increased to 10 percent effective June 20, 2000. The Board found that the evidence supported a 10 percent rating for the period prior to June 20, 2000 and a 10 percent rating for the period beginning on June 20, 2000.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for herniated nucleus pulposus and lumbosacral radiculopathy was granted. He is now receiving a 20 percent evaluation for his herniated nucleus pulposus since July 9, 2009, and a 10 percent evaluation for his lumbosacral radiculopathy.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 50%, which does not meet the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU. The disability is not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for lumbosacral strain, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, while the other conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since January 21, 2009. The other conditions have not met the criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and clarifying the opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining post-service treatment records and scheduling another VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's DJD of the lumbosacral spine, hips, and knees is not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports a conclusion that these conditions are due to aging and an active lifestyle post-service.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly assess the Veteran's spine, sinus disability/rhinitis, and sleep apnea claims. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an increased evaluation of his lower back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative spurs of the cervical spine were granted increased ratings, with a 20 percent rating for right shoulder tendonitis effective July 18, 2008. The Veteran's varicose veins are rated at 10 percent each, and TDIU is denied.