Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The reduction in disability rating from 30% to 20% for recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder with osteoarthritis was found to be improper and restored the original 30% rating. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability was also denied.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of sleep apnea, and there was no improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work that would justify reducing the disability rating from 30% to 20%. The Veteran's right shoulder disability continued to cause significant functional impairment.

Claimed conditions
sleep apnea, recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder with osteoarthritis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
August 17, 2022
Citation
22046640

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 22046640.

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.

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.