The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea with asthma and bilateral restless leg syndrome was manifested by use of a CPAP machine, daily medication for asthma, and pulmonary function test values no lower than pre-bronchodilator FVC of 86 percent; FEV-1 of 73 percent; and FEV-1/FVC of 66 percent. The disability did not result in chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, required tracheotomy, FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC less than 55 percent, at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, intermittent (at least three times per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids, or more than one asthma attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea did not result in chronic respiratory failure and required less than the minimum criteria for a higher rating under DC 6602-6847.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 19, 2018
- Citation
- 1817227
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 1817227.
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
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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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