Sinusitis decisions — 2014

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis has not been manifested by three or more incapacitating episodes per year of requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. As a result, the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic sinusitis is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating at any time during the evaluation period, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, claimed as sinusitis, is not service-connected. The initial noncompensable rating for his left ear hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen his previously denied claim. The VA examination report did not establish a direct link between the Veteran's current sinusitis and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for allergic rhinitis, a right wrist sebaceous cyst, and a compensable initial rating for sinusitis have been withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran does not currently have cellulitis or ulcerative colitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, sleep apnea, and gout have been denied. The Board finds that new evidence received is not material to reopen the claim of service connection for sinusitis. Service connection has also not been granted for sleep apnea or gout.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for left eye macular scar, left elbow strain, left hip strain, and sinusitis/rhinitis are denied as there is no legal basis for awarding an effective date prior to January 7, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's current nasal and sinus conditions, including a maxillary retention cyst or polyp, deviated septum, and sinusitis, were not related to his period of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed sinusitis and its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing within 90 days of notification. The claims for reopening service connection for respiratory disabilities and hypertension are still pending.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disability, fibromyalgia, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The Veteran's claims were remanded due to new evidence received after a prior denial.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for heart disorder, higher initial evaluations for his service-connected conditions, and a higher evaluation for right foot sinus tarsi syndrome have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for tuberculosis has been dismissed as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and sinusitis. The case is therefore being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for consideration of new evidence submitted by him and his hearing transcript. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The evidence does not show a current diagnosis of sinusitis, and the Veteran's STRs do not support his claim for service connection. The Board finds that service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's maxillary sinusitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there were no incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes within the last 12 months.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disorder, including allergic rhinitis and acute sinusitis, did not have an onset during his first period of service or is otherwise related to his periods of service. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current sinus disorder was aggravated by his second and third periods of military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss disability, as well as an increased rating for migraine headaches. The Board dismissed these issues due to withdrawal.