Sinusitis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and migraine headaches have been granted. The claim to reopen the claim for tendinitis and phlebitis of the right lower extremity was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals due to his active duty status.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral otitis externa and chronic sinusitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's sinusitis and right little finger disability claims have been denied as there is no evidence of the required number of incapacitating episodes or arthritis to warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to a heart disorder and service-connected sinusitis due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected dermatitis of the hands and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis, while these disabilities are in their active stages. The increased rating claims will be readjudicated after any necessary development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a deviated nasal septum, but denied his claim for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The decision is pending further action.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis, including difficulty breathing and poor speech, is currently rated at 10 percent effective March 4, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a kick in the face, sinusitis, and stomach disability (including GERD) are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions during or subsequent to his military service.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been manifested by symptoms of near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and tenderness of the affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries throughout the period of appeal. The Board granted a higher initial disability rating of 50 percent for sinusitis.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis with retention cyst and residuals of cholecystectomy with scar were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings were denied as there was no evidence showing that the conditions warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a ganglion cyst of the right wrist was granted. The remaining issues on appeal are related to his PTSD, hypothyroidism, and back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinosinusitis with headaches, and the issue of tension headaches is being reopened. The Veteran's hepatitis C claim remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection. The cervical spine disability, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and psychiatric disorder to include major depressive disorder are all found not to be related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or sinusitis, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing sinus condition worsened during service and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for a back disability and denied the claim. For sinusitis, the Veteran's current condition is not shown to be related to his service, and he does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hearing loss of the right ear and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for hearing loss, and there was no indication that the Veteran's service-connected conditions prevented him from obtaining or maintaining employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis due to new and material evidence. However, the Board denied the claim as there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the pre-existing condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for COPD is denied as he did not have the disorder at any time since his June 2006 claim. Service connection is granted for recurrent sinusitis, which the Board finds to be a result of service.