Sinusitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's low back disability has been granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent, effective from November 13, 2012. The issues regarding headaches, neck disorder, right shoulder disability, and sinusitis have also been granted service connection based on secondary to a pre-existing condition (depressive disorder).

The Veteran's cardiac disorder and sinusitis claims have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

The Veteran's asthma was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, as it existed prior to his entrance into active duty.,Service connection for sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current residuals of a TBI other than headaches, and thus cannot establish service connection for decreased complex integrated cerebral function disturbance. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet or one hand and one foot, or blindness in both eyes, or render him permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated by service, including as secondary to his service-connected chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's claim for higher levels of SMC based on service-connected disabilities was denied as his conditions do not meet the legal criteria for such benefits.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right maxillary sinusitis beginning on April 14, 2011. Prior to this date, there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes warranting a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional information and consideration of whether extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for sinusitis has been denied as the current evaluation of 50% is considered the highest schedular rating available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and left spontaneous pneumothorax were denied. The May 1991 rating decision granting service connection for the left pneumothorax was not found to contain clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for left spontaneous pneumothorax was also denied.

The appellant's representative has withdrawn all claims on appeal due to the death of the Veteran, and as such, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for angioneurotic edema, bilateral hearing loss, a low back disability, right lower extremity sciatica, left lower extremity sciatica, and sinusitis. The reasons provided were that there was no evidence of these conditions in service or for many years thereafter, and they are not related to service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's cervical spondyloarthropathy from September 9, 2014 to November 21, 2016. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings at any other time.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's sinusitis and headaches are found to be related to his service-connected low back disability, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's headache disorder is due to his military service, specifically as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis. The Board has found that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a broken nose and his sinus issues are not related to service. The current evidence does not support a finding of service connection for recurrent sinus disorder, including sinusitis and rhinosinusitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at 30 percent prior to January 19, 2017 and denied for a higher rating thereafter.,Service connection has been granted for psoriasis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference Board hearing. The claims will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for headaches due to undiagnosed illness and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.