Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board denied an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, finding that the veteran's disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine. The maximum 40 percent rating is appropriate given the current evidence.

From August 17, 1999, through November 29, 2004, the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease resulted in severe strain with positive Goldthwait's sign and osteoarthritic changes. On and after November 30, 2004, the MRI showed pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with actual impingement on the right dorsal ganglion, resulting in sciatic neuropathy.

The veteran is granted restoration of a 10 percent evaluation for periarteritis nodosa with panuveitis and a separate 10 percent rating for bilateral panuveitis. The claim for a higher rating for cutaneous vasculitis, previously diagnosed as periarteritis nodosa, is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a total rating based on individual unemployability, and there is no evidence of exceptional circumstances warranting extra-schedular consideration.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for retinitis pigmentosa and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted to support the claim.

The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain and found that the keloid scars of the chest were presumed to have been aggravated by active service.

The veteran's application for an increased rating for folliculitis, groin is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea and COPD are not addressed in the decision summary provided.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including a rating for lumbosacral strain and hearing loss. The RO must review the additional evidence received since June 2003, consider the revised criteria for rating spine disorders and skin disorders, arrange for VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions, and readjudicate the claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and arthritis of the left knee were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain and post-operative residuals of a recurrent abdominal ventral hernia. The veteran was awarded a noncompensable initial rating for the latter condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for his thoracolumbar back disorder prior to February 9, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's retinitis pigmentosa existed prior to his entry into service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for cervical disc disease and lumbosacral arthritis, finding that no new and material evidence has been received.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral spine disability, currently rated at 20 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back strain and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The initial rating of 40 percent for the low back condition is maintained.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence did not show exposure to Agent Orange or any other herbicide agent during service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, residuals of a cervical spine fracture, and obstructive sleep apnea (claimed as a sleep disorder).

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral disc herniation at L5-S1 was denied, as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher evaluation. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the presence of other service-connected disabilities and the veteran's occupational experience.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbrosacral and right knee disabilities, as well as service connection for a left knee disability. The RO had previously granted service connection and initial ratings for these conditions.