The Board denied increased disability ratings for sleep apnea and impairment of sphincter control, granted a rating of 60 percent for impairment of sphincter control from March 6, 2010 to November 6, 2019, and granted an initial rating of 30 percent for left foot heel spurs from June 12, 2003 to January 31, 2016.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support increased ratings due to the lack of chronic respiratory failure or extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements. However, a 60 percent rating was granted for impairment of sphincter control from March 6, 2010 based on the results of a VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, impairment of sphincter control, left foot heel spurs, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21061311
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for scarring, right orchiopexy and remanded the claim of asbestos exposure residuals. Other claims for service connection were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer and related disabilities, urinary incontinence, sleep apnea, hypertension, varicose veins, lumbar spine disability, hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis, ankle arthritis, knee strain, knee replacement, and hand arthritis. The only condition granted was a 10 percent rating for a fracture of the right proximal first metacarpal.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and no competent evidence linking the condition to service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for asthma and remanded claims for insomnia and sleep apnea. Other conditions were denied.
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.