The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder caused him to become obese, which in turn led to his obstructive sleep apnea. The Board finds that the necessary factors for obesity being an intermediate step between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected major depressive disorder are met, granting service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to major depressive disorder.
The deciding factor: The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder caused him to become obese, which was a substantial factor in causing his sleep apnea, and whether his sleep apnea would not have been caused but for the obesity caused by his service-connected major depressive disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- August 19, 2024
- Citation
- A24047669
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 A24047669.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there is no current diagnosis of this condition during the appeal period.
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