Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to a service-connected disability due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in failing to provide an adequate examination. The Veteran's OSA is related to his obesity, which may be aggravated by his service-connected asthma condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing sleep apnea was aggravated by service. The case is now being sent back for further examination and an opinion.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed sleep apnea, as there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in denying the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to resolve whether the Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn led to his obstructive sleep apnea. The case is being remanded for further clarification of this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's disability ratings for migraine, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), epilepsy with recurrent seizures, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lumbosacral strain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome were improperly reduced to noncompensable effective January 1, 2023. The ratings are restored.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims for hypertension, GERD, OSA, a respiratory/lung disorder, and RLS.

The Veteran's disability rating for his back condition was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective May 27, 2022. The reduction is now reinstated.

The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their appeal.

The Board has determined that there are duty to assist errors in the prior decision and remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and right hand ulnar nerve damage are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding potential exposure to toxic substances during service under the PACT Act.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea as the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of the condition and there was no in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for unspecified anxiety disorder effective May 1, 2022 is denied.,Service connection for headaches secondary to tinnitus is denied. The Veteran does not have a present diagnosis for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea due to a duty to assist error. Additional medical examinations are needed to determine if these conditions were incurred in or related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral shin splints and remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Veteran's claims are not supported by evidence showing a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD on an aggravation basis, finding that the Veteran's PTSD aggravated his diagnosed OSA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was denied in September 1987, and the decision became final. The Veteran submitted a new claim to reopen this issue on December 20, 2019, which resulted in the grant of service connection effective from December 20, 2019. An earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected residuals of traumatic deviated septum with rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance regarding this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD, finding that the Veteran's OSA is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.