The Board restored a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, which is claimed as secondary to PTSD.
The deciding factor: The reduction in the rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was improper due to an inadequate VA examination and failure to properly apply relevant regulations. The Board found that a new VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of sleep apnea, including whether it is secondary to PTSD, is necessary.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, sleep apnea syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 6, 2025
- Citation
- A25096659
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