The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the primary cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, and he has been granted a higher disability rating for his psychiatric disorder. His TDIU claim from April 18, 2013 to July 24, 2018 (excluding May 10, 2014 to April 6, 2016) is also granted.
The deciding factor: The medical opinion established a link between the Veteran's PTSD and his obstructive sleep apnea, leading to the grant of service connection for the latter as secondary to the former. The increased rating was based on the severity of his psychiatric symptoms over time.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- August 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23043947
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 23043947.
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 case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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