Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded due to the need for an adequate VA examination, and his claim for service connection for radiculopathy as due to lumbosacral strain is also remanded.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection for various wrist and elbow conditions, finding that the Veteran did not submit the correct form within one year of receiving a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not incurred in service, specifically due to exposure to exhaust fumes and particulates during his military service. The condition was also aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding direct and secondary service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's OSA and his service-connected tinnitus, as well as the potential link to toxic exposure risk activities. The AOJ is required to obtain additional opinions addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the reduction of his hepatitis B rating from 20% to 0% was upheld. Service connection was not established for diabetes, left knee arthritis, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea. Bilateral hearing loss was granted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for GERD and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to procedural errors in the decision-making process.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current condition and his military service or any conceded toxic exposure risk activities. The Board also found that the Veteran was not competent to provide an opinion regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, increased rating for left shoulder disability, and initial compensable rating for cervicogenic headache due to secondary service-connected cervical spondylosis, C5-6 disc bulge, and spinal stenosis. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the nature of OSA and its relationship to the service-connected conditions, as well as assessments of current severity of left shoulder disability and headache.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claim of service connection for prostate condition secondary to a service-connected disability (obstructive sleep apnea) is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing (SAH) or special home adaptation (SHA) grant due to his respiratory disability, which is presumed by the PACT Act. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a permanent and total disability resulting in anatomical loss of use of both hands, burns, or residuals of an inhalational injury.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy are granted as service-connected, with the effective date being January 24, 2023.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports that did not address the severity of his condition during flareups and the effects of over-the-counter medications.

The Board denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Headache Disorder due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment, and the absence of a causal relationship between these conditions and service. The claim for Headache Disorder is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of October 3, 2016. The claims for alopecia and acquired hypothyroidism were remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed as the claim was resolved by a grant of service connection in April 2025.,Claims for effective dates prior to September 25, 2024, for separate ratings for lumbar spine facet degeneration L5-S1 and left foot degenerative changes of first MTP joint and mid foot are dismissed as the Veteran did not file an unadjudicated claim or provide evidence that a disability increase occurred during the year preceding the claims.

The Veteran's back disability is now rated at 20 percent effective October 28, 2019. The right ankle disability appeal was withdrawn prior to the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and causation of the Veteran's OSA. The AOJ is required to obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner to address these issues.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or any service-connected condition.