The Board finds that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is less likely as not caused by, or a result of, the nasal trauma sustained in military service. However, the examiner noted that nasal obstruction was a risk factor for the Veteran's sleep apnea and considered it at least as likely as not due to the injury in service.
The deciding factor: The July 2009 VA examination report reflects the opinion of the examiner that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is less likely as not caused by, or a result of, the nasal trauma sustained in military service. The examiner noted that septal deflection and nasal obstruction were at least as likely as not due to trauma sustained during military service; however, there was no evidence that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was caused by such.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 23, 2010
- Citation
- 1044148
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1044148.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to his in-service deviated septum.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep disorder is related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims for sleep apnea and an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II.
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