The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors, specifically failing to address whether the Veteran's service-connected shortness of breath, allergic rhinitis, and/or chronic sinusitis aggravate his obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is required to obtain an addendum opinion addressing this issue.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the VA opinions did not adequately address whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea, which was a necessary part of determining service connection for OSA.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26007540
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26007540.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's OSA is granted as service connected. The Veteran's infectious disease claim and stomach disability claim are remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with persistent depressive disorder and insomnia.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.
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