The Board found that the veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral toenail disability were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not support a connection to military service.
The deciding factor: Service medical records were negative for any complaints, diagnoses, or treatments related to sleep disorders or toenail fungus/infection. The VA examiner stated that the veteran's sleep apnea is more likely due to his weight and neck condition rather than service. For the bilateral toenail disability, there was no diagnosis in service and initial treatment occurred three years after separation.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Sleep Apnea"}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral Toenail Disability"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2006
- Citation
- 0606835
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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