The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an initial compensable rating for rhinitis are both granted. The decision also notes that the Veteran has a nasal polyp associated with his rhinitis, but this does not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of rhinoscleroma.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and rhinitis are related to service due to symptoms beginning during active duty. The nasal polyp associated with his rhinitis did not meet criteria for a maximum rating under Diagnostic Codes 6522 or 6523.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19144603
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 granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a duty to assist error.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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