The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Cervical Spine Disability as the earliest possible effective date is June 6, 2016, which is later than when entitlement arose. The Veteran's claims were not filed within one year of a final denial in July 25, 2013.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the earliest possible effective date for service connection was June 6, 2016, as this is the date of claim and later than when entitlement arose. The Veteran's claims were not filed within one year of a final denial in July 25, 2013.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease with Lumbosacral Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26000484
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 A26000484.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
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The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for OSA and insomnia must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, as well as a failure to obtain TERA opinions on all relevant exposures.
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The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records are considered in determining whether there is a nexus between current symptoms and service.
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