Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's current diagnosed sleep apnea is related to service, and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to PTSD. The VA examiner's opinion was inadequate and a new medical opinion is needed to address causation and aggravation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and PTSD, as well as his obesity, and his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left ankle condition is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.,The Veteran's left TPS, limitation of extension is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left TPS, limitation of flexion is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left TPS, impairment of thigh is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's OSA is due to his service-connected PTSD, and the claim for secondary service connection has been granted from July 11, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for buttocks pain, rectal dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, non-union left elbow chip fracture with resolution of elbow effusion and osteoarthritis associated with history of lumbosacral strain with disk herniation at L4-5 and L5-S1 and DDD, and left shoulder strain have all been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip numbness, left hip numbness, a disability of the right foot toes, a disability of the left foot toes, a sleep disorder to include sleep apnea, hypertension, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, and an effective date prior to August 20, 2002 have been remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected major depression. The claims for hypertension and OSA are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance and/or housebound, obstructive sleep apnea, and fibromyalgia have been dismissed as the claims are still pending in the legacy appeal system.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The effective date for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the initial rating for bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the diagnosis of sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with an in-laboratory sleep study.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and its relationship to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the VA opinion is inadequate and a new VA opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred in or related to his time on active duty, and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's sleep apnea, secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, is granted on a causation basis.

The Veteran's claim of a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to May 8, 2020, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter for service-connected asthma with sleep apnea is dismissed as the benefits sought have been awarded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased rating for headaches due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea may be secondary to his PTSD, and there is insufficient evidence regarding the severity of his headaches.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's obesity, caused by his service-connected back disability, was a substantial factor in developing this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request for review.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sleep apnea and eczema due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection, particularly concerning aggravation by PTSD. The Veteran's exposure to burn pits is also noted as a potential factor.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and left knee disability. Service connection is denied for fatigue, blurred vision, deviated septum, dyspnea (other than heart disability), and gastroesophageal reflux disease.,The Veteran's service records show he experienced symptoms of tinnitus during active duty in 1991 and his left knee injury occurred during a qualifying period of National Guard service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.