The Veteran's initial disability rating for OSA is denied, and his ratings for allergic rhinitis (prior to October 23, 2019) and GERD are denied. The Veteran's increased ratings for lumbosacral spine chronic myofascial pain syndrome (from October 23, 2019), left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and PTSD with alcohol use disorder and other specified depressive disorder are granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings for any condition due to lack of supporting medical documentation or clinical findings that warrant such a rating.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)","additional_notes":"Veteran uses CPAP device"}, {"condition_name":"Allergic Rhinitis","additional_notes":"Persistent daytime hypersomnolence, no polyps noted until October 2019 VA examination"}, {"condition_name":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)","additional_notes":""}, {"condition_name":"Lumbosacral Spine Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome","additional_notes":""}, {"condition_name":"Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome","additional_notes":""}, {"condition_name":"Left Fifth Rib Fracture Residuals","additional_notes":""}, {"condition_name":"Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Alcohol Use Disorder and Other Specified Depressive Disorder","additional_notes":""}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20073648
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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