The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral hallux valgus of feet, granting service connection for this condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically his major depressive disorder, which preceded the diagnosis of sleep apnea by almost 8 years, and his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral hallux valgus of feet, through their association with obesity.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive sleep apnea, Major depressive disorder, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Bilateral hallux valgus of feet
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2023
- Citation
- 23015926
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 23015926.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's current conditions are aggravated by his service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions addressing this issue.
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.