Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's skin disability and back disability were restored to their previous ratings of 30% and 20%, respectively, effective September 3, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,Service connection for a cervical spine disability with TBI residuals was also denied due to lack of credible evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, rhinitis (sinus condition), and asthma, all presumed to be related to the Veteran's exposure to fine particulate matter during his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic left foot strain and pain, left knee strain, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, and tinnitus due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's obesity is not addressed in the opinion.

The Veteran's benign paroxysmal positional vertigo associated with obstructive sleep apnea is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the initial award of service connection on June 5, 2017. Other issues remain pending for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea, right lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to service and denied his claim. The case was remanded for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because she does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU based on a single service-connected disability, as her right hip disability alone does not qualify. The Board found that multiple of her service-connected disabilities contribute to her difficulty in maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and the possible existence of outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's disability manifested by fatigue (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome) and disability manifested by joint and muscle pain (claimed as fibromyalgia) are both granted as service-connected, with the condition of fatigue being due to an undiagnosed illness.,Service connection for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on migraine headaches and TBI, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and potential issues with the medical opinions provided. The claims are being returned to the Regional Office for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral and left hip osteoarthritis (OA) as caused or aggravated by service-connected bilateral knee OA.

The Veteran's knee disabilities require regular assistance in accomplishing routine activities of daily living, leading to the grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on housebound status is moot.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for missing teeth, tendonitis of the hands/fingers, sleep apnea, and GERD is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requires an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether these disabilities are related to his active service.

The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed because there was no appealable decision within one year of the Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, and right foot peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining medical opinions that did not adequately address the relationship between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability prior to February 8, 2021 was denied. The effective date of the 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability on February 8, 2021 is also denied.,The Veteran's right knee instability from September 3, 2020 was granted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, acne, and chest pain are denied. The claim for increased rating for left foot bunion is granted with a 10% rating effective August 10, 2021. The Veteran's claim for service connection for chest pain is remanded.