The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected as there was no in-service diagnosis or symptoms, and the VA examiner found it less likely caused by service.,Service connection for hypertension is denied because the condition did not begin during service or shortly after, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's hypertension is also not a qualifying disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's vertigo was not service-connected as it did not start in service or shortly thereafter, and there was no evidence of continuity of symptoms. It is also not a qualifying disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted based on presumed exposure to fine particulate matter during the Gulf War era.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence linking the Veteran's sleep apnea to his service, and it was not related to a service-connected condition. The condition did not manifest in or shortly after service, nor is there continuity of symptoms.,There is no evidence showing that hypertension began during service or within one year post-service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. Hypertension does not qualify as a qualifying disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's vertigo did not begin in service or shortly after, nor was there any evidence of continuity of symptoms. It also does not qualify as a qualifying disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted based on presumed exposure to fine particulate matter during the Gulf War era.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, hypertension, vertigo, allergic rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2026
- Citation
- A26039710
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 A26039710.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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