Sinusitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of at least one incapacitating episode or more than six non-incapacitating episodes in the past year, which would warrant a compensable rating under DC 6513.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back pain and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of February 27, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to November 15, 2016. Since that date, his combined scheduler disability rating was 100%, and he is contending that he is unemployable due to a combination of these same service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since June 7, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran had at least three to six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting, warranting a 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including conjunctivitis, right ankle disability, left foot/ankle disability, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, Meniere's disease, hypertension, bilateral hand disability, and generalized arthritis. The appeal was also denied regarding a claim for increased ratings for certain disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus condition, including sinusitis and rhinitis, was not incurred in or is otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was granted a 10% rating, and his hypertension with chronic renal disease was granted a 60% rating. The other claims were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, acid reflux, and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the potential causes of these conditions.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of April 24, 2012 for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also entitled to an effective date of April 24, 2012 for DEA benefits as he was granted a total disability rating on that same date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of migraine headaches and maxillary sinusitis were granted, but his claim for service connection of sciatica was denied due to lack of a chronic disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various service connection claims, including those related to psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, arthritis, and dental conditions. The Board also remanded several issues for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current skin disability and respiratory disability, to include sinusitis/chronic allergies, are related to his active service.

The Veteran's sinusitis has not resulted in more than two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year with headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting since April 11, 2007.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all pending claims.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 10 percent, and his allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis and breathing problems, including as a result of asbestos exposure, are not service-connected.