Sinusitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal was granted for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The other issues were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is service connected, with his sinusitis contributing to its development. The remaining issues of higher initial ratings for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, TDIU, and an effective date prior to August 1, 2007, for service connection are being remanded.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection is denied for sinusitis and a bilateral knee disability.

The Board found no current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The psychiatric conditions were not related to service, and fibromyalgia was not related to service either.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis was first diagnosed during active service and is therefore granted service connection. The issue of service connection for a left ankle disability remains pending.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO or by live videoconference.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury and respiratory disability, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The preponderance of the evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, sinusitis, and thyroid disability. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that led to these disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory and sinus conditions are not related to his in-service nasal fracture, and service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinus condition preexisted his service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated nasal septum resulted in less than 50 percent obstruction of both sides of the nasal passage throughout the relevant period on appeal, and thus does not warrant a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's current sinusitis is service-connected, as it had its onset during active duty.,The Veteran's prostate disorder (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is also service-connected, as the preexisting condition worsened during service.

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is not shown to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, and service connection for migraine headaches is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new addendum opinion from the April 2016 examiner to address whether his current diagnoses are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, as he possesses the physical capabilities necessary to perform sedentary work despite his symptoms.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure. His skin disorder, glaucoma, lung disorder (COPD and interstitial lung disease), and sinusitis are not among the listed diseases eligible for presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his SSA records, Army Reserve treatment records, and VA outpatient treatment records. He also needs a new medical opinion regarding the onset of his hearing loss and low back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right thumb condition was rated at 30 percent, effective June 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions have not warranted an increased rating in any of the issues on appeal.