Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbosacral paravertebral myositis with mild degenerative joint disease and a bulging disc, currently rated at 40 percent.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, maintaining their current disability ratings of 10% and 40%, respectively.

The Board has determined that the case must be remanded to obtain additional records and for further medical examinations. The veteran's claims of entitlement to earlier effective dates, increased evaluations, and service connection are also being addressed.

The VA granted a 50 percent rating for sleep apnea-hypopnea effective April 11, 2002. The veteran's prior claim for an initial compensable rating was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding that there was no failure of VA medical personnel to order appropriate diagnostic tests or properly treat his renal cancer. The death certificate indicated that the immediate cause of the veteran's death was from renal cancer with metastases.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease at the L5-S1 level is being remanded due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and other procedural issues.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain and also denied a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the veteran does not suffer from sleep apnea or exposure to asbestos related to his service and denied both claims.

The VA granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's dermatofibrosarcoma and partial excision of the right labia majora, effective June 19, 2000. The veteran also raised claims for service connection for breast cancer and TDIU.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and requested evidence. The appeal is currently on hold for additional review.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and severity of the veteran's disabilities. The claims for service connection and increased rating are pending.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder, thoracic spine, and lumbosacral spine disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the cervical and lumbosacral spine, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to his current conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to be associated with exposure to Agent Orange. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including new examinations and obtaining SSA records. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for PTSD and sleep apnea, but has not found sufficient evidence to grant service connection for these conditions.,Service connection was denied for obesity and asthma.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent, and denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain/sprain syndrome, finding that the veteran's condition is related to a service-connected injury.