Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to service-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain new medical opinions to address causation and aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they have not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being less than 60 degrees or any other criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of whether obesity is an intermediate step in the development of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The claim will be reconsidered with additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it originated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his service-connected dry eye syndrome is granted, with a 20 percent evaluation. The claims for bilateral pinguecula of the eyes and hypertension are denied. Service connection for PTSD, alopecia or thinning hair secondary to PTSD, ED secondary to PTSD or hypertension, dry mouth syndrome secondary to OSA, GERD, and recurring body rash are all denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed because he did not file a timely VA Form 10182 within one year of the November 2021 rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether OSA is related to service and whether it is secondary to service-connected sinusitis and/or PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress, right heel traumatic fracture with degenerative joint disease, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The decision is based on a finding that the weight gain related to these conditions caused by depression led to the development of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service injury related to the claimed condition.,Service connection for lumbosacral strain was granted, but an initial rating in excess of 10 percent is denied due to lack of medical nexus establishing causation.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to resolve the claim of service connection for OSA, and therefore remands it for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed sleep apnea.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder and resulting obesity. The decision is based on medical opinions that link the Veteran's sleep apnea to his PTSD, which in turn is linked to his obesity.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence and urgency are found to be related to his service-connected lumbar DDD, IVDS, and spinal stenosis. Service connection is granted for right and left foot conditions and hypertension on a secondary basis. The rating for lumbosacral strain remains at 20 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence linking her current diagnosis to her active-duty service.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for obstructive sleep apnea, but the issue of service connection for a right ankle disorder is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus condition), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, iliopsoas tendinitis of the right hip, irritable bowel syndrome, left ankle condition, left flatfoot, left knee condition, right ankle condition, right flatfoot, right knee, sleep apnea, and varicose veins of both lower extremities are all granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus condition), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and varicose veins of both lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an examination regarding the etiology and onset of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, which may be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the appellant's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence. The initial rating for tinnitus remains denied, and the left elbow contusion is rated as noncompensable. Right wrist sprain also remains denied. Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left knee tendonitis, and lumbosacral strain are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate evaluation of the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected conditions, including unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder.