Citation Nr: 21004122 Decision Date: 01/26/21 Archive Date: 01/26/21 DOCKET NO. 17-26 502 DATE: January 26, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Army from September 1985 to March 1986, and from June 1989 to January 2008. The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at a hearing in November 2020. A transcript of that hearing is of record. Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea The Veteran attended a VA examination in April 2015. The examiner determined that the Veteran’s sleep apnea was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service. The examiner did not comment on the Veteran’s reports of in-service fatigue or excessive sleepiness. Additionally, the Veteran submitted statements from a colleague who observed the Veteran during service, and her son, who reported witnessing fatigue, snoring, and a lapse in breathing during sleep, also during service. She also testified as to symptoms of apnea during a November 2020 Board hearing. Accordingly, another opinion is necessary prior to adjudication. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s sleep apnea is at least as likely as not onset during or caused by active duty service. Do not schedule the Veteran for an examination unless deemed necessary. Review of the entire claims file is required. The examiner must provide a complete rationale for all findings and opinions, and a discussion of the facts and medical principles involved would be of considerable assistance to the Board. The examiner should comment on the service treatment records including reports of fatigue in May 2002, April 2004, and February 2007 in any opinion rendered. The examiner is also asked to comment on the June 2017 statement submitted by her colleague and December 2020 statement submitted by her son, and the Board hearing testimony. J.W. FRANCIS Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board T. Fitzgerald, Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.