The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is related to the Veteran's diagnosed obesity and his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on the conclusion that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress and non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder, cervical spine strain, lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, left hip disability, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral pes planus, tinnitus, right foot hallux valgus, left foot hallux valgus, and left elbow strain.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress and non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder, seborrheic dermatitis, cervical spine strain, lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, left hip disability, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral pes planus, tinnitus, right foot hallux valgus, left foot hallux valgus, left elbow strain, tooth number 8 fracture residuals, left hand middle finger knuckle disfigurement residuals
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2026
- Citation
- A26024983
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 A26024983.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.