Sinusitis decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's current chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis was not incurred in or aggravated by his service, including his service in Saudi Arabia. The VA examiner concluded there was no evidence of sinus problems during military service and that worsening symptoms upon return from service were likely due to environmental factors.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, chronic maxillary sinusitis, or papilloma of tonsillar fossa. The Board found that the cause of death was due to cardiomyopathy and asystole.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for sinusitis/allergic rhinitis and left knee scar have been withdrawn. The right knee derangement appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension has been reopened, and he is now receiving a compensable evaluation (30%) for his service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic respiratory disability, low back disability, sinusitis, and a cerebral concussion or TBI. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the pending claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, clarification of evidence, and consideration of new medical opinions.

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is not manifested by one or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The criteria for an initial compensable disability rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, including determining whether his current sinusitis, headaches, and sleep apnea are related to his military service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing the timeliness of the NODs and new and material evidence issues.

The claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete information, inadequate medical opinions, and the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting an examination to determine if the appellant is housebound or requires aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current sinusitis and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 30 percent, but his sleep apnea claim for service connection was denied. The decision is mixed as it granted one issue and denied another.

The Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for otitis media/externa and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from various sources.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder due to his withdrawal of such claim. The VA found that sinusitis is not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The VA determined that the appellant does not have independent living needs and found that the requested items are desirable but not necessary for him to maintain maximum independence in daily living.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete examination and insufficient consideration of the Veteran's assertions regarding his in-service symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right elbow disorder that is related to his military service. The evidence shows an in-service injury, but no chronic disability was shown at separation and there are no records of ongoing symptoms or treatment for many years after service.