The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is January 22, 2007. For special monthly compensation based upon aid and attendance or housebound status, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria as he can feed himself and prepare his own meals.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and assistance due to daily living requirements.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, chronic renal disease, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee with arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee with arthritis, hallux valgus of the left great toe, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, sinus bradycardia, irritable bowel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- February 7, 2018
- Citation
- 1807937
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 1807937.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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