Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the claim of sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Multiple myeloma, anxiety and depression, and OSA claims are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as a lumbosacral strain, mild disc degeneration at L5-S1, and chronic pain syndrome, is granted as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, bilateral knee strains with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and lumbosacral strain. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of in-service injuries and his long-term military service, including multiple jumps as a parachutist.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including a right foot disability. The Board grants SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's GERD is due to his service-connected MDD and OSA, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of September 30, 2015. The decision is based on continuous pursuit of the claim since September 30, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran is not entitled to secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction, left hip osteoarthritis, or right hip osteoarthritis as these conditions are not caused by his service-connected disabilities. For lumbosacral strain, a new VA examination is required to discount the beneficial effects of pain medications and establish a baseline severity level.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus restoring the Veteran's entitlement to this benefit as of October 1, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that the Veteran's in-service symptoms were presenting symptoms of the subsequently diagnosed condition.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected back condition, bilateral hallux valgus, and PTSD. The RO continued the initial ratings of 20 percent for chronic strain, lumbosacral spine; zero percent for bilateral hallux valgus; and 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a failure to obtain private treatment records and provide VA examinations prior to adjudicating the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for central sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's use of Baclofen for his back disability is causally related to his current condition. The claims for ulnar nerve entrapment are remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The AOJ must obtain VA medical opinions addressing direct and secondary service connection, as well as any aggravation of OSA by a service-connected disability. The AOJ should then readjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected PTSD, and the Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for sickle cell anemia, skin disability, and hemorrhoids were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service treatment records show the Veteran had a lumbosacral muscle sprain in June 2000. However, post-service treatment records are silent for complaints or diagnoses related to his back condition.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was found to have its initial onset during active duty service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea, elevated blood pressure now claimed as hypertension, recurrent gouty arthritis, right great toe, status post left ankle strain, and status post right ankle strain are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions (posttraumatic stress disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis) did not cause him to be housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his obstructive sleep apnea. The VA will need to provide additional opinions on whether the Veteran's OSA is secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and PTSD.