Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain to correct a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error, specifically related to an examination that was not conducted due to the Veteran's no-show.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as the September 2022 VA examination is deemed inadequate.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of lumbosacral strain, finding no evidence that a formal or informal claim was filed prior to October 14, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disorder and sleep apnea as they did not manifest during or are otherwise related to the appellant's period of active military, naval, or air service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's already service-connected sinusitis.

The Board denied service connection for leishmaniasis and COPD, while remanding claims for sleep apnea, bilateral elbow disability, left shoulder disability, and chronic headaches.

The Board remands the appeal to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and his obstructive sleep apnea, specifically whether obesity was an intermediate step.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine, right hip strain, and right lower extremity paresthesias disabilities but granted a separate rating of 10 percent for painful motion on right hip extension. The Board also remanded service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea and migraine disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities with obesity as an intermediate step.

The Board restored the 70 percent rating for PTSD as the reduction was improper, and denied service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's obesity, which was secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee conditions, caused or aggravated her current OSA.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's back pain started in service after he was knocked out of a landing helicopter onto his back and has persisted since then.

The Board granted service connection for lower back pain with lumbosacral strain and traction alopecia, but denied service connection for left achilles heel and toe fungus. The Board also denied a compensable rating for headaches.

The Board granted service connection for residual scarring left shoulder, denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and anxiety and depression, and remanded the claims for lumbosacral strain, right knee strain, contact dermatitis, and unspecified abdominal pain.

The veteran withdrew the appeal concerning service connection for dizziness, sleep apnea, and sleep disturbance, as well as a higher disability rating for migraines.

The Board granted an effective date of August 21, 2019, for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and granted service connection for headaches and vertigo as secondary to the service-connected PTSD.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, was dismissed as the Veteran did not identify a valid initial decision in his Notice of Disagreement (NOD).

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, from November 6, 2022, and a 10 percent rating for hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service.