Sleep apnea Board decisions

The appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea is remanded to obtain a proper medical opinion on the secondary service connection theory.

Service connection for vertigo, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, right elbow condition, left elbow condition, left shin splint condition, traumatic brain injury, sleep apnea, left wrist condition, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy was denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right wrist condition, back condition, and right ankle condition was remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a left shoulder strain rating was dismissed. Service connection for OSA was granted, but higher ratings for left shoulder and thoracolumbar strains were denied.

The veteran was granted service connection for blurred vision disability but denied for pes planus, sleep apnea, asthma, avitaminosis, obesity, and right knee strain. The claims for carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, Gulf War illnesses, left knee strain, and plantar fasciitis were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, hypertension, and sleep apnea were denied. The claims for a left knee disorder and tinnitus were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's claim for sleep apnea, linked to obesity caused by service-connected adjustment disorder and orthopedic disabilities, is granted.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because a VA examiner has not yet opined on whether the OSA is due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining necessary medical opinions.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain more evidence and ensure a complete record.

The appeal for service connection of metastatic leiomyosarcoma is remanded. The Board needs more medical evidence to decide the case.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for service connection for anxiety, sleep apnea, sinusitis, right hip condition, and right knee condition because the correct forms were not used within the required timeframe.

Service connection for gastrointestinal disability and tinnitus is granted. Service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and lumbar spine disabilities is denied. All other issues are remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of cervical spine disability, left and right hip disabilities, and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate VA examinations.

The veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was restored to 40 percent effective November 10, 2022. However, the request for a rating in excess of 40 percent was denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left hand disorder and lumbosacral strain was denied. The claim for facial scars related to pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to insufficient evidence on the severity of COPD with obstructive sleep apnea.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and lumbosacral strain was denied. Service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) was remanded.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's exposure to burn pits during his service is a key factor.

The veteran's effective date for PTSD service connection is May 19, 2020. The initial rating for back disability before October 23, 2020, is denied, but a 20% rating starting from that date is granted. The request for a higher rating for PTSD and total disability based on unemployability are remanded.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of OSA secondary to PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's theory is that PTSD caused or aggravated OSA through obesity.

The veteran's claims for a higher rating for erectile dysfunction, bulimia nervosa, and knee issues were denied. The claim for service connection for headaches was remanded.