Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, a 50 percent disability rating for obstructive sleep apnea, or an effective date earlier than March 24, 2020, for the grant of service connection for traumatic deviated septum and sleep apnea.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 8, 2018 was denied. The Board found that he is not entitled to a higher disability rating for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient evidence linking the condition to Gulf War syndrome and a lack of medical literature connecting it to particulate matter air pollution exposure. A TERA examination is required as the PACT Act applies.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and anxiety), headache disorder, TBI, pseudofolliculitis barbae, sinusitis, left knee disability, right knee disability, and tinea versicolor of the arms, leg, chest, and face are all denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis or other conditions warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused significant impairment in his ability to work and maintain social relationships. The effective date for all benefits is set at July 25, 2019.

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

The Board has found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder, including due to obesity.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not been rated higher than the current 0 percent evaluation due to the lack of evidence showing that his hearing impairment more nearly approximates a compensable level.,The VA examiner did not provide sufficient rationale for the opinion regarding lumbosacral strain, and an addendum is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The claims for left knee and hip disabilities are being remanded.,Service connection is granted for a left knee disability based on continuity of symptomatology since active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The claim will be returned to the AOJ for further review and an addendum medical opinion.

The Board denied the Appellant's request for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a February 2024 rating decision that granted an increased evaluation for CAD and service connection for OSA.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a lack of evidence demonstrating it is directly related to service. The Veteran seeks secondary service connection based on his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board has identified errors in the prior decision and has ordered remand for further investigation into the Veteran's claimed service exposure to herbicide agents, particularly during his TDY assignments in Vietnam. The issues of diabetes mellitus type II, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, Meniere's disease, aortic and vein disability, left lower diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right lower diabetic peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and vertigo are all remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Meniere's disease, dizziness, sleep apnea, a sleep disorder, and depression due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is not service connected for any disability that could serve as a basis for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are related to in-service IED attacks, with the current conditions being at least as likely as not caused by these events.,Both the low back and right knee disabilities were found to be directly related to service.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, and low back disorder. The Veteran's current disabilities were not incurred in or caused by active duty service.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of a diagnosis within one year after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that an addendum opinion is necessary to address whether his current diagnosis of sleep apnea had its onset in or is otherwise related to his military service and whether it is aggravated by his service-connected insomnia.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis/nasal polyposis, PTSD, and OSA have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also receiving a 70 percent rating for his PTSD and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The claims are related to service connection for OSA, which is secondary to PTSD with TBI.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and OSA as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's migraine disability had its onset during his active-duty service, while the OSA is at least as likely as not caused by his circadian rhythm disorder now characterized as PTSD.