The Veteran's service-connected OSA is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset during service or is related to service.,A 30 percent rating for bilateral flat feet, but no higher, has been granted since September 1, 2017. The preponderance of the evidence supports this decision.,The Veteran's PFB was increased from a noncompensable rating to a 10 percent rating effective September 1, 2017.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that there is no medical evidence showing OSA began during service or is related to service. The Veteran’s statements regarding sleep problems during service were inconsistent with his denial of frequent trouble sleeping at separation.,The Board determined the preponderance of the evidence supported a severe flatfoot disability warranting a 30 percent rating, which includes swelling, callouses, and pronatory changes in both feet.,The VA examiner noted that the Veteran’s PFB was manifested by occasional skin irritation causing itching and pain. The condition has been treated with cortisone injections to minimize symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Bilateral Flat Feet, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18114482
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 18114482.
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 Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for vertigo and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's hearing loss is not rated higher than 10 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for OSA and insomnia must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, as well as a failure to obtain TERA opinions on all relevant exposures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and a separate rating for chronic pulmonary embolism due to inadequate VA examinations.
- Dismissed
The appeal to revise the effective date for a 50% disability rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is dismissed because the July 2024 proposed rating decision was not an appealable determination.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.