The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and erectile dysfunction (ED), both claimed as secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,Service connection was not granted because the evidence did not establish a direct relationship between the conditions and active duty service, nor could it be established that PTSD caused or aggravated these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no medical evidence establishing a nexus between the Veteran's OSA and ED and his military service. The examiner opined that the conditions were not related to service-connected PTSD.,The Board also noted that without an established baseline, the Veteran's current condition could not be attributed to aggravation by service-connected PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), erectile dysfunction (ED)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 6, 2019
- Citation
- 19143357
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on the Veteran's exposure to in-service chemical agents.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to fibromyalgia due to a need for additional medical evidence.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy from April 3, 2023 onward, but denied higher ratings prior to that date. Service connection was also granted for alcohol use disorder as secondary to PTSD with traumatic brain injury.
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.