Sleep apnea Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the current evaluations adequately reflected the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate the required functional loss or impairment to warrant higher disability evaluations.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches are pending.

The veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right arm is granted as service-connected. The veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent effective April 21, 2005.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain was denied as there was no evidence of severe limitation of motion or severe symptomatology warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of current disability or a link to military service. The claim for PTSD is remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain because no new and material evidence was presented.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for her service-connected lumbosacral strain and scoliosis. The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA medical records and private treatment records.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability incurred or aggravated by service. The veteran's arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40% and not higher.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) by reason of needing regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied because his nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes, as the disability is currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claims for lumbosacral strain and status post right elbow fracture, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the old or revised criteria.

The veteran's claim for higher evaluations for his right knee conditions and a TDIU was denied. His service-connected conditions include arthritis, multiple arthroscopy surgeries, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep apnea, prostatitis, hemorrhoids, chondromalacia patella, and traumatic arthritis of the right knee.

The Board found that the veteran's dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the left forearm is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange, and granted service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by her active service.

The Board found that the veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral toenail disability were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not support a connection to military service.

The Board has determined that additional RO action is warranted to ensure the veteran's low back disability is evaluated appropriately under the revised criteria for evaluating spine disabilities, effective September 26, 2003.

The Board has determined that the RO did not properly consider the veteran's claims for service connection and remanded them for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting retinitis pigmentosa was aggravated by active service, and therefore, service connection is granted.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain, including herniated disc on the right, is rated at 40 percent. Separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for pain in the left leg and pain in the right leg, both from September 23, 2002.