Sinusitis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decision could be made.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis have been rated as 10 percent disabling since the appeal period began, with no higher ratings warranted based on the evidence.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, sinusitis, and right knee disorder are all found to be related to service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are denied as they are already at their maximum schedular ratings. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back and hip disabilities, as well as his sinusitis and constipation, are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence indicates these conditions did not manifest during or within one year after service, and there is no credible continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal for additional vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notice and readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and denied the increased rating claim. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is considered to have been incurred in service, while his COPD and chronic bronchitis are found not related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings in excess of the assigned disability ratings for cervical spine disability, sinusitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and umbilical hernia. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The VA medical examiner found no connection between the Veteran's current asthma and sinusitis or pansinusitis and her service in Iraq, attributing them to pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding all issues, including service connection for various ankle and knee disabilities, sinus disorder, left thumb sprain, lumbar strain, shoulder degenerative joint disease, and onychomycosis of bilateral feet. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sinusitis. The Board finds that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed to address whether any current sinusitis is related to service, including the upper respiratory infection noted in the January 1974 service treatment record or the headaches noted at separation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depressive disorder, sleep apnea, thyroid condition, sinusitis, and a foot condition related to a cold injury. The appeals are based on new evidence received since the previous denial.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's sinusitis disability was rated at a noncompensable (0%) level from September 3, 2008 to January 7, 2015. For this period, the manifestations of his condition more closely approximated three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting, warranting a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and needs further development to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability, including sinusitis, rhinitis, and allergies, is related to her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and lumbar spine disability, finding that her lumbar spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for swelling joints, sinusitis, bilateral pes planus, and sleep apnea. The remaining service connection issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's sinus disability was rated at 30% prior to April 20, 2015 and at 50% since then. The TDIU claim is granted from September 21, 2010 to July 23, 2015. Special monthly compensation is not warranted.