Sinusitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrences that could be related to the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,The Veteran's right leg disability is also due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,For the period prior to November 2, 2012, a 50 percent rating for depressive disorder has been granted. For the period since November 2, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 50 percent rating for migraine headaches has been granted.,For the period prior to November 5, 2012, a 10 percent rating for asthma has been granted. For the period since November 5, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 30 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on limitation of motion has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 20 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on unilateral loss of whole or part of ramus involving loss of temporomandibular articulation has been granted.,A 20 percent rating for the right ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the right knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right lower extremity neuropathy has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For the period prior to December 13, 2012, a 10 percent rating for GERD has been granted. For the period since December 13, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for sinusitis has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to January 12, 2011 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and a 10 percent rating for tinnitus have been denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for sinusitis is being remanded due to lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, finding that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to known clinical diagnoses of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, and it is at least as likely as not that her chronic respiratory disorder had its onset during military service.

The Veteran's right hand capsulitis and left ankle strain with residual tendonitis are service-connected.,The Veteran's recurrent urinary tract infection is not service-connected, as it is already contemplated in the rating for prostatitis.,The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is service-connected based on its symptoms matching those of a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(2).,There was no specific rating assigned or effective date provided, as these are not issues in this decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but his gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders are not.

The Veteran's chronic rhinitis with sinusitis is not productive of nasal polyps, greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, incapacitating episodes, three-six non-incapacitating episodes per year, or headaches, pain, or purulent discharge or crusting due to sinusitis. Therefore, a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of her sinusitis, right foot tendonitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome, and tinea pedis. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of chronic sinusitis during the appeal period. The issue of service connection for a bilateral knee disability remains pending and requires further examination to determine if it was aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a nasal disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The Board has determined that the current VA examination is inadequate and requires further clarification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for rhinosinusitis due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current condition and his military service. The case is being returned to the RO for further development, including obtaining an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are currently rated at a combined evaluation of 90 percent, and the case is being remanded for further development to determine if they preclude his participation in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted in full, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to unclear communication and a need for clarification on whether the Veteran wishes to continue her appeal. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action, including scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's onset of these symptoms occurred during her period of active duty training. Service connection was denied for allergic fungal sinusitis due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, prostate cancer residuals, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and other conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD with a 30 percent rating effective January 9, 2008.,Service connection was also established for obstructive sleep apnea and the Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the cumulative effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.