The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis arthritis and calluses, right hip femoral acetabular impingement syndrome (limitation of flexion), left hip femoral acetabular impingement syndrome (limitation of flexion), left hip impairment, left hip femoral acetabular impingement syndrome (extension), left knee degenerative arthritis, right hip femoral acetabular impingement syndrome (limitation of extension), right hip impairment, chronic right shoulder degenerative arthritis, and right knee strain, with being obese as an intermediate step.

The deciding factor: The Board found the July 2023 private medical opinion to be probative and persuasive because it is based on accurate medical history, includes a review of the medical record, and provides an explanation that contains clear conclusions with a supporting rationale.

Claimed conditions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 9, 2025

Citation

A25087734

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