The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is granted service connection. The initial disability rating for obstructive sleep apnea remains at 50%. The initial disability rating for ischemic heart disease remains at 10%. For the period prior to April 18, 2014, the initial disability rating for ulcerative colitis is granted at 60%. The initial compensation rating for residuals of bilateral inguinal hernias remains at 0%.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was found to be aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. His obstructive sleep apnea required a CPAP machine but did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of respiratory failure or tracheostomy. Ischemic heart disease met the criteria for a 60% rating based on workload and symptoms. Ulcerative colitis was found to be severe with frequent attacks, warranting a 60% rating prior to April 18, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Depressive Disorder), Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Ischemic Heart Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Residuals of Bilateral Inguinal Hernias
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- November 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18148152
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 18148152.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle conditions.
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The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected other specified insomnia disorder.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and heart disability, including coronary artery disease, as these conditions are found to be proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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