The Veteran's service-connected orthopedic conditions (including shoulder impingement syndrome, bilateral pes planus, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, sacroiliitis of the right hip, bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle sprain, and right wrist sprain with carpal tunnel syndrome) caused his Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which was aggravated by obesity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected orthopedic conditions led to significant weight gain due to chronic pain, resulting in obesity. Obesity then served as a substantial factor causing the Veteran's OSA.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Orthopedic Conditions
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2024
- Citation
- A24029009
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 A24029009.
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.
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The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for OSA and insomnia must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, as well as a failure to obtain TERA opinions on all relevant exposures.
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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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