Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine osteoarthritis was rated at 40 percent prior to March 29, 2006 and remains at 40 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral muscle strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The current evaluation of 40 percent is considered appropriate based on the clinical findings.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on orthopedic manifestations alone, and there were no incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including back and neck disorders, foot and hand conditions, skin condition, sleep apnea, respiratory disorder, blood disorder, and pericarditis. The appeal will be remanded to obtain additional medical records and ensure all claims are properly considered.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and service connection for a sensory defect at L4-5 and S1 level of lumbar spine was granted effective September 23, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including clarification of conflicting findings regarding the range of motion and ankylosis of his lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown to be present for VA compensation purposes.,His pre-existing thoracic spine and right knee conditions are clearly and unmistakably present prior to service, so they were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board found no relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected residuals of chip fracture to the nasal bone, or service. The residuals of chip fracture are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his lumbosacral strain, finding that prior to September 26, 2003, he was entitled to a 10 percent rating. From September 26, 2003, he is not entitled to any higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred in service due to lack of verified stressors. The claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and denied service connection for rosacea. The lower extremity and sinus disorders are being remanded for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current chronic low back disabilities, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and lumbar degenerative spondylosis (arthritis), are causally related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and left foot disability are currently rated at the minimum level, with no evidence of additional functional impairment due to pain or other factors. The claims for increased ratings have been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found that retinitis pigmentosa preexisted service and did not increase in severity during service. As a result, the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa.