Sinusitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which he asserts had its onset during service or was caused by his service-connected chronic sinusitis with headaches. The Board finds the July 2012 VA examination inadequate and remands the case for an appropriate VA examination to determine whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service or a service-connected disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with some conditions receiving a presumption of herbicide exposure and others being granted based on the evidence presented.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and assigned a noncompensable disability rating, effective from September 16, 2008. The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and kidney stones were denied as new and material evidence was not received within one year of the June 2005 decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis did not require repeated surgeries or manifest chronic osteomyelitis following radical surgery, and thus a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted for any period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing on his new and material evidence claim and obtaining VA examination opinions to address the etiology of his currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea and sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, digestive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome of the left lower extremity, chronic sinusitis, digestive disorder (impaired sphincter control), lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, and hemorrhoids, met the percentage requirements for a TDIU from February 27, 2012 to December 10, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD, hypertension, and sinusitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not appearing for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The claim will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for the residuals of a nasal fracture. After reviewing all available evidence, including a private medical opinion linking current diagnoses to an in-service injury, the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, claimed as chronic sinusitis and allergies, is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his current condition. The examiner will consider the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a thoracic spine disability, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a lipoma resection.,Service connection is also granted for sleep apnea (OSA), as it is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and reactive airway disease.

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is considered to have begun during his active service and the Board finds that it is related to his military service.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The other issues are pending further development.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right elbow disorder, left foot disorder, or allergic rhinitis with sinusitis during service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Veteran's post-service medical records do not document any complaints, findings, or diagnoses related to these conditions.,As such, the claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling error for an in-person hearing at the RO. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sinus disability and diverticulosis are etiologically related to his active service, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.