Citation Nr: 18146181
Decision Date: 10/30/18	Archive Date: 10/30/18

DOCKET NO. 16-60 050
DATE:	October 30, 2018

ORDER
Service connection for sleep apnea is granted.

FINDING OF FACT
The Veteran has been diagnosed with sleep apnea (see November 2015 VA treatment record) and the evidence of record indicates that this condition began during service; this evidence includes competent and credible statements from the Veteran (attesting to excessive daytime fatigue) and two fellow service members who shared sleeping quarters with her during service (who report not only that the Veteran snored during service in a way that was “loud and overbearing” to the point of disrupting others’ sleep but also that she frequently gasped for air while sleeping).

CONCLUSION OF LAW
Service connection for sleep apnea is warranted.  38 U.S.C. § 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.


REASONS OR BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
The Veteran had honorable active duty service with the United States Navy from June 2006 to June 2010.  
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) notes that new evidence, including buddy statements, was associated with the claims file after the August 2016 statement of the case (SOC).  Although the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) has not had an opportunity to review all the new evidence, there is no prejudice to the Veteran in adjudicating the claim because the full benefit sought on appeal is being granted.
For the reasons noted above, service connection for sleep apnea is warranted.
 
VICTORIA MOSHIASHWILI
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Y. MacDonald, Associate Counsel