The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected, and he is granted a compensable rating of 20 percent for hemorrhoids. The initial ratings for his right knee and left knee disabilities are also granted at 30 percent each. For migraine headaches, an initial rating of 50 percent is granted.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms of snoring, choking, and halted breathing during service supported a diagnosis of sleep apnea, which was later confirmed by medical evidence post-service. The right long finger disability, hemorrhoids, and knee disabilities were also found to be related to service based on the lay statements and medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right long finger disability, hemorrhoids, right knee disability, left knee disability, migraine headaches
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 24, 2013
- Citation
- 1333420
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 1333420.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral knee and hip disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- 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.
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