The Veteran's sleep apnea disorder, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spondylosis.,A VA examination is needed for the Veteran's claim of eye disorder other than diabetic retinopathy.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s obesity, which contributed to his current disabilities, was caused by functional impairment and decreased activity due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,A VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed eye disorders other than diabetic retinopathy are secondary to his now service-connected diabetes mellitus.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"sleep apnea disorder","diagnosis_sources":["clinical observations","lay statement"]}, {"condition_name":"atriial fibrillation","diagnosis_sources":["October 2012 private medical statement by C.B., MD","November 2019 private medical statement by C.B., MD"]}, {"condition_name":"hypertension","diagnosis_sources":["October 2012 private medical statement by C.B., MD","November 2019 private medical statement by C.B., MD"]}, {"condition_name":"diabetes mellitus","diagnosis_sources":["private examiners' statements (C.B., MD, P.C., MD)","June 2016 and July 2019 VA medical opinion reports"]}, {"condition_name":"diabetic retinopathy","diagnosis_sources":["April 2018 and September 2018 VA eye exam treatment records"]}

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 28, 2020

Citation

20069994