Sinusitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he failed to provide sufficient information and evidence to establish that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and sustain a substantial gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with a noncompensable rating assigned for sinusitis effective May 15, 2006. The Veteran was also granted service connection for various disabilities including radiculopathy of the upper extremities, right wrist disability, left knee disability, right arm disability, right knee disability, sciatic nerve disability, and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing and for issuance of an SOC on the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim is not addressed. The initial compensable rating for bilateral onychomycosis and tinea pedis of the left foot remains denied, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.,A 30 percent rating for post-radioactive iodine-induced hypothyroidism is granted based on symptoms including fatigue, constipation, and mental sluggishness.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disorders, including sinusitis and rhinitis, are not of service origin or etiologically related to her service-connected residuals of a fractured distal nares. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, sinusitis, and URI. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for higher ratings prior to and effective from June 9, 2012, for sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic rhinitis, generalized anxiety disorder, bilateral pes planus, tinnitus, sinusitis, esophageal hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and bilateral hearing loss, meet the criteria for a TDIU and VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and verifying any possible toxic exposures at Fort McClellan. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep impairment, eye disorder, and service-connected sinusitis with cluster headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant is also granted a service-connected burial allowance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable evaluations have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a more contemporaneous VA examination to reassess the severity of his service-connected sinusitis, as there may have been significant changes since the last examination in June 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the knees, ankles and right foot, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without regular aid of a walker and wheelchair for more than 200 feet. The claim is granted for specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed sinus condition and ensuring all outstanding records are obtained.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sunspots on the face. The issue of service connection for sinusitis is addressed in the REMAND portion and is currently pending.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for in-service treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sinusitis. The appeal is currently remanded.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, meeting the criteria for this rating level.