The Veteran's OSA is rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU from July 19, 2021, but no earlier due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from gainful employment. He also received eligibility for DEA since July 19, 2021.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating for OSA and the Veteran's other conditions prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Bilateral Patellofemoral Knee Syndrome, Lumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26001880
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 A26001880.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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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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