The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea service connection is denied. An initial 70 percent rating, but not higher, for bipolar disorder with other unspecified stressor related disorder is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows significant symptoms associated with the Veteran's bipolar disorder and other unspecified stressor related disorder, including suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. However, there was no gross impairment in thought process or communication, delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, or disorientation to time or place.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, bipolar disorder, other unspecified stressor related disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24039000
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24039000.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to his in-service deviated septum.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep disorder is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development.
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