The Board has denied service connection for OSA and granted a 70 percent initial rating for unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder. The decision found that the Veteran did not have OSA at the time of the December 2019 rating decision, but her psychiatric disability caused deficiencies in most areas of her life.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that there was no current diagnosis of OSA and denied service connection based on lack of evidence. The 70 percent rating for depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder was granted as the Veteran's symptoms met criteria for such a rating, despite some issues related to alcohol abuse being noted.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2024
- Citation
- A24018814
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 A24018814.
What this means for you
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records are considered in determining whether there is a nexus between current symptoms and service.
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