Sinusitis decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disability, chronic sinusitis, and headaches secondary to sinusitis are all related to service. The Veteran's current conditions have been established as a result of injuries sustained during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating prior to May 14, 2009, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the claims for service connection for residuals of a hamstring injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, and right shoulder disability due to withdrawal. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is reopened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for sinusitis, sleep disorder (to include sleep apnea), and gastritis are not ripe for adjudication due to a lack of probative medical evidence. The case is therefore REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension and sinusitis were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.,Service connection for depressive disorder was granted, but with a current disability rating of 50% prior to August 20, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective December 31, 2012. The initial rating for allergic rhinitis remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and psychiatric disorder were denied.,Service connection was also denied for allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly before it and has scheduled a video conference hearing to address these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis and gastrointestinal disability (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome) are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected rhinosinusitis and DJD of the right foot.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis and sleep apnea, finding that these conditions are attributable to the Veteran's active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable disability evaluations for his claimed conditions, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fungal sinusitis with nasal polyps was granted, as new evidence (his in-service exposure to herbicides) supported reopening the claim and linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not service-connected.,The Veteran's symptoms of pain in the bilateral arms, legs, back and neck; sinus disorder; skin disorder; and stomach disorder have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder to service and denied her claim for service connection. The TDIU claim was also denied as there were no service-connected disabilities rated at least 40% combined that met the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance/housebound benefits was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder, a respiratory disorder, and a dental disorder. The appeals are based on his assertions of chronic symptoms since service.

The Veteran's initial rating for sinusitis is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his allergic sinusitis is pending and needs to be remanded due to incomplete records. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining the missing temporary claims folder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inaccurate factual history regarding the Veteran's diagnoses of sinusitis.