The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or additional benefits.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating for residuals of a right hand fifth metacarpal fracture, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral wrist disability, bilateral hand disability, and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities were remanded.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a right hand fifth metacarpal fracture, Obstructive sleep apnea, Bilateral shoulder disability, Bilateral wrist disability, Bilateral hand disability, Bilateral knee disability, Cervical spine disability (DDD), Low back disability (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1638232
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 1638232.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's current conditions are aggravated by his service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions addressing this issue.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of persistent daytime hypersomnolence or other manifestations consistent with a compensable disability rating under the criteria established by Diagnostic Codes. The matter is remanded to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his headaches and their impact on his daily life.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected residuals of left foot 5th metatarsal fracture.
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