Sleep apnea Board decisions

The veteran's appeals for higher ratings for myofascial pain syndrome of the right shoulder, traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, and lumbosacral strain have been denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral paravertebral myositis with mild degenerative joint disease and a bulging disc does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denied his claim for an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for left ventricular hypertrophy as secondary to service-connected hypertension. Service connection for sleep apnea and PTSD are denied.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain was dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has ordered further development due to the appellant's failure to report for a VA examination and other procedural issues. The case is now remanded for additional development, including scheduling another respiratory examination.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's service to his cause of death, which was due to fatal cardiac arrhythmia, obstructive sleep apnea, and morbid obesity. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's DJD of the left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral spine are related to service. However, there is no evidence linking rheumatoid arthritis to service.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain with limitation of motion warrants a 20 percent disability rating, which is the maximum available under current criteria.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 21, 2000 for service connection of osteoarthritic changes of the lumbosacral spine is granted.,The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of moderate right lower extremity weakness and TDIU are denied as there were no pending informal or formal claims prior to March 21, 2000.,The veteran does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to March 21, 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions, except for his loss of use of both hands due to Dupuytren's contractures, do not require regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of ureterolithiasis, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and medial meniscus tear have been denied as there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on current disability levels.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder did not warrant an increased evaluation, and although he was severely limited in his ambulation and activities of daily living due to respiratory decompensation, the evidence does not show that any service-connected disability rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee and right hip disabilities were denied. The RO granted service connection for these conditions, but did not grant the requested higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, and his post-traumatic headaches do not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral spine disorder, specifically degenerative disc disease, is service-connected as it originated during his active military service.

The Board has granted increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected hypertension and lumbosacral strain, with a maximum of 40 percent each. The claim for bilateral numbness is denied as not due to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back condition is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.