The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in several areas, including obstructive sleep apnea and spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show chronic respiratory failure or tracheostomy required for a higher rating for sleep apnea. The VA examinations showed stable sleep apnea with CPAP machine use. For spondylosis, the Veteran's range of motion and muscle spasm were within normal limits.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive sleep apnea, Spondylosis of the lumbar spine, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Service-connected residuals from torn ligaments with degenerative joint disease in the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24031520
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,036 · Granted: 27% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 24031520.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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