Sinusitis decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an eye disorder, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The denial was based on a finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the eye disorder claim.

The Veteran's initial claim for migraine headaches was granted with a noncompensable rating, which was later increased to 30 percent effective May 28, 2009 and to 50 percent thereafter. Service connection for sinusitis was denied.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, obesity, right ear hearing loss, and chronic sinusitis is not warranted.,Left ear hearing loss has been granted but remains non-compensable.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for an adjustment disorder with depression was granted, and he is now entitled to a 10 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder. The effective date of this grant is April 1, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis began during his active service and is related to in-service symptoms. Service connection for otitis media was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including the residuals of a laminectomy, sinusitis with rhinitis, hypertension, and bursitis of the left shoulder, have met the percentage requirements for the award of a schedular TDIU. Competent evidence indicates that these disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's left and right hip bursitis have been granted initial 20% disability evaluations, but no greater.,The Veteran's lumbar spine strain has been granted an initial 10% disability evaluation, but no greater.

The Board granted service connection for sarcoidosis and assigned a noncompensable rating effective August 5, 2008. The Veteran's multiple joint and muscle arthralgias are rated as part of the sarcoidosis with an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not service-connected, and the initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy prior to November 27, 2012, and the rating of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine post L3-L4-L5 discectomy from March 1, 2010, were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of a complete medical history. The issues include service connection claims for cardiovascular disability, sinusitis, back disability, and tinea versicolor.

The Veteran does not suffer from sinusitis and the Board finds that evidence weighs against a finding of a current disability of sinusitis, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, including VA Vocational Rehabilitation folder/records.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated at 10 percent since November 28, 2005. The claim is granted as the evidence shows more than three but not more than six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's application for a clothing allowance was not reviewed by the Under Secretary for Health or a designee, and thus the claim is being remanded to ensure proper review.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his service-connected sinusitis and requesting that he provide all records of treatment with private providers.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA and OPM records, and scheduling a VA examination for the right shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that an additional VA examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis with secondary headaches. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of whether the Veteran's sinus problems started during service and are related to his service in Saudi Arabia, or if they are related to other periods of service.