Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current lumbosacral strain with arthritis to his military service, including a shrapnel wound in Vietnam. The claim was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence to support the connection.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability, characterized by limited range of motion and daily pain with flare-ups at least three times a week, did not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back pain is not related to any incident of service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40% rating for lumbosacral strain was denied as there was no evidence of increased disability prior to August 29, 2000.

The Board denied higher ratings for lumbosacral strain and cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from February 18, 1997, or in excess of 20 percent since June 9, 2002.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain in-service medical records and provide a VA examination for the veteran's sleep apnea claim. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The issue of a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain after September 25, 2003 is remanded.

The veteran's service-connected tinea pedis and tinea manum with onychomycosis of the toenails are currently characterized by extensive exfoliation or crusting, warranting a 50% evaluation. The veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently productive of moderate intervertebral disc syndrome, with recurring attacks, and moderate limitation of motion of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for compensable evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 40 percent for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease with limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of septoplasty for deviated nasal septum and hypopharyngeal partial airway obstruction (sleep apnea) as a residual of orthognathic surgery, with an initial noncompensable evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper notice.

The veteran requested a rating in excess of 30 percent for obstructive sleep apnea from May 14, 2002 to January 8, 2004, and to a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's request for withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and a need for proper notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a fracture of the L-2 vertebra and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, finding that the evidence did not warrant higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has found that the veteran's current right knee disorder is etiologically related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine was manifested to a compensable degree within one year following his discharge from active service, and thus meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected left knee synovitis and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedules.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gas and constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, coronary pulmonary disease, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that these conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection based on their onset during or within one year after service.