{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:33:50.986Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Obstructive sleep apnea","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":1623,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":0.2,"denied_pct":4.3,"remanded_pct":90.9,"granted_on_merits_pct":4.2,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":54,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":5.6,"remanded_pct":87},{"year":2018,"issues":137,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":4.4,"remanded_pct":94.2},{"year":2019,"issues":154,"granted_pct":0.6,"denied_pct":6.5,"remanded_pct":90.3},{"year":2020,"issues":160,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":6.3,"remanded_pct":88.8},{"year":2021,"issues":166,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":1.8,"remanded_pct":91.6},{"year":2022,"issues":156,"granted_pct":0.6,"denied_pct":2.6,"remanded_pct":87.8},{"year":2023,"issues":205,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":2.9,"remanded_pct":88.8},{"year":2024,"issues":220,"granted_pct":0.5,"denied_pct":3.6,"remanded_pct":90.9},{"year":2025,"issues":270,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":5.9,"remanded_pct":93},{"year":2026,"issues":101,"granted_pct":0,"denied_pct":3,"remanded_pct":95}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":66.7,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":327,"granted_pct_with":0,"granted_pct_without":5.4},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":1370,"granted_pct_with":3.6,"granted_pct_without":6.3},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":451,"granted_pct_with":12.5,"granted_pct_without":1.8},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":975,"granted_pct_with":0,"granted_pct_without":9.7},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":646,"granted_pct_with":7.7,"granted_pct_without":2.2},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":113,"granted_pct_with":0,"granted_pct_without":4.3},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":1432,"granted_pct_with":4.9,"granted_pct_without":0},{"evidence":"buddy_statement","decisions_with":117,"granted_pct_with":0,"granted_pct_without":4.3},{"evidence":"combat_service","decisions_with":152,"granted_pct_with":14.3,"granted_pct_without":3.1}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"credible lay testimony of in-service jet fuel exposure and continuity of respiratory symptoms","decisions":1},{"reason":"june 2011 decision was not final due to lack of reasons and bases","decisions":1},{"reason":"positive probative private medical opinions linking conditions to jet fuel exposure","decisions":1},{"reason":"secondary service connection to granted allergic rhinitis and hypertension","decisions":1},{"reason":"symptoms approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity","decisions":1},{"reason":"symptoms included anxiety, concentration issues, sleep impairment, and difficulties with motivation and mood","decisions":1}],"denied":[{"reason":"delayed onset of conditions after service","decisions":1},{"reason":"lack of specific link between exposures and diagnosed conditions","decisions":1},{"reason":"va examiner opinions were more probative than favorable opinions","decisions":1}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A24037247","year":2024,"judge":"SHAUN S. SPERANZA","rationale":"Credible lay testimony of in-service jet fuel exposure and continuity of respiratory symptoms.; Positive probative private medical opinions linking conditions to jet fuel exposure.; Secondary service connection to granted allergic rhinitis and hypertension."},{"case_id":"A22006010","year":2022,"judge":"RAY BARTO SLABBEKORN, JR.","rationale":"June 2011 decision was not final due to lack of reasons and bases; Symptoms approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity; Symptoms included anxiety, concentration issues, sleep impairment, and difficulties with motivation and mood"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"1725125","year":2017,"judge":"MICHELLE L. KANE","rationale":"VA examiner opinions were more probative than favorable opinions.; Lack of specific link between exposures and diagnosed conditions.; Delayed onset of conditions after service."}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}