Sleep apnea Board decisions

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, right knee instability, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee do not warrant evaluations in excess of 20 percent, 10 percent, or any other assigned rating, respectively.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and residuals of a right epididymectomy, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for retinitis pigmentosa, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has granted higher ratings of 60 percent for the lumbosacral spine disability and 20 percent rating for the cervical spine disability, both effective June 27, 2002.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for a low back condition (characterized as chronic lumbosacral strain aggravating pre-existing L5-S1 spondylolisthesis) is December 21, 1957.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain, finding no basis to grant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The veteran was granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective from August 3, 2002. The appeal is about establishing the appropriate effective date for this award.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disorder, including lumbar disc herniation and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine. The decision finds that his current back condition is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of a nexus between her current conditions and active duty service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, headaches, and right thumb, 3rd and 5th fingers disability. The Board also found that there is no evidence of a current right shoulder disability or headache disorder within one year of discharge.

The veteran's disabilities do not render him unable to care for most of his daily needs without requiring Aid and Attendance (A&A), nor are they housebound in fact. Therefore, the claim for special monthly pension based on A&A or housebound status is denied.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed disabilities, including sore throat, flu-like symptoms, a chronic cough, chest congestion, and shortness of breath; intestinal swelling, abdominal bloating, diarrhea and constipation; joint pain; fatigue; fever and chills; and sore gums with recurrent blisters on tongue and oral mucosa. The Board found that the veteran's disabilities were not due to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's psoriatic arthritis and lumbosacral strain with herniated nucleus pulposus are rated at the maximum disability levels based on their severity.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased DIC benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound, finding that she is not in need of such assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent, which is considered adequate to reflect their current severity.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, and a history of otitis externa. Service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis is denied.