The appeal to reconsider the claims of service connection for tendonitis of the right hip, bilateral ankles, right wrist, and thumbs is granted.,The appeal to reconsider the claim of service connection for headaches is granted.,The appeal to reconsider the claim of service connection for chest pain (claimed as chest pain and hypertension) is granted.,The appeal to reconsider the claim of service connection for frequent urination (claimed as an enlarged prostate) is granted.,The appeal to reconsider the claim of service connection for sleep apnea is granted.
The deciding factor: New Service Department Records were received, including STRs where the Veteran reported swollen, stiff or painful joints after deployment. These records are relevant and material to the Veteran's claims of tendonitis of the right hip, bilateral ankles, right wrist, and thumbs.,Previously unavailable STRs included reports of ongoing headaches by the Veteran. These records are relevant and material to the Veteran's claim of headaches.,Previously unavailable STRs noted the Veteran reported ongoing chest pain. These records are relevant and material to the Veteran's claim of chest pain (claimed as chest pain and hypertension).,Previously unavailable STRs indicated an early manifestation of an enlarged prostate in a January 2005 STR, noting increased urinary frequency. This record is relevant and material to the Veteran's claim of frequent urination (claimed as an enlarged prostate).,Previously unavailable STRs included reports where the Veteran reported problems with sleeping or still feeling tired after sleeping. These records are relevant and material to the Veteran's claim of sleep apnea.
- Claimed conditions
- Tendonitis of right hip, Arthritis of bilateral ankles, Arthritis of right wrist, Arthritis of thumbs, Headaches, Chronic fatigue syndrome (claimed), Chest pain (claimed as chest pain and hypertension), Frequent urination (claimed as enlarged prostate), Sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21070244
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21070244.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of persistent daytime hypersomnolence or other manifestations consistent with a compensable disability rating under the criteria established by Diagnostic Codes. The matter is remanded to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his headaches and their impact on his daily life.
- Granted
The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to PTSD, but his headaches are denied due to lack of service connection.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.