Sinusitis decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis was denied. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease and spondyloarthritis of the lumbar spine remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's nasal disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, was not shown to be related to service or due to an undiagnosed illness. The VA examination did not find any evidence of exposure to Gulf War Syndrome conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder bursitis, left shoulder bursitis, thoracolumbar spine disability, sinusitis, eosinophilic granule residuals, and cervical diskectomy with mild loss of range of motion, have resulted in a combined rating of 70 percent as of May 1, 2009. The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities precluding him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, initial rating for asthma, and TDIU were denied. His sinusitis with nasal septum defect claim resulted in a 30% rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and her sinusitis is rated at 10 percent. The RO granted the increased ratings for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and gustatory rhinitis have been rated based on their current manifestations, with a 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis. The gustatory rhinitis has not resulted in any compensable disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current sinus disorder and COPD are related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sinus condition.

The Board is remanding the claims for further development due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a low back disorder and right knee disorder, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. As such, he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional opinions regarding direct service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected chronic sinusitis and any related eye disability, as well as to determine if he is entitled to additional compensation for these conditions.

The Board has found service connection for a deviated septum, but denied service connection for sinus disorder other than a deviated septum due to lack of evidence of chronicity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability and considering whether referral for an extraschedular TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected sinusitis was denied as there were no incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic fatigue syndrome and sinusitis, have significantly interfered with her ability to maintain or obtain substantially gainful employment. The case is REMANDED for referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of whether a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is warranted.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for sinusitis is being remanded to consider whether an extraschedular rating should be considered. His TDIU claim is also being remanded due to inconsistencies in the evidence regarding his employment status.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there was no evidence of at least one incapacitating episode per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or at least three non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected, but the Board has ordered a remand to determine if her sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and vernal conjunctivitis have aggravated her sleep apnea.