Sinusitis decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and securing a VA addendum opinion from the May 2016 respiratory examiner to address the etiology of the Veteran's current respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience prior to February 13, 2013.

The Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability. The VA examiner found no evidence of a chronic condition prior to 2009 in his post-service treatment records, and the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptomatology were not considered until after the January 2010 VA examination.

The Board has granted a 30 percent initial disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis, effective from February 28, 2007 to May 5, 2017. The claim for service connection for migraine headaches remains denied.

The Veteran's sinusitis is characterized by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year with symptoms including headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The Board finds that an initial increased rating of 30 percent is warranted for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated septum and sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the listed issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to clarify his sinus and/or nasal symptoms and their severity prior to November 21, 2013.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, respiratory disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, sinusitis, nerve condition, and headaches, all allegedly due to exposure to mustard gas, herbicide agents, and/or other chemicals and/or toxins during active duty. The Board has determined that further development is needed regarding the Veteran's claimed exposures.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including post-service medical records and statements regarding cold weather exposure in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and bilateral upper extremity, carpal tunnel syndrome as there is no probative evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's maxillary sinusitis and duodenal/peptic ulcer with dysfunctional gall bladder do not warrant ratings in excess of 10 percent or 20 percent, respectively. The claims were denied as there was no new evidence to reopen a claim for service connection for a back condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an upper respiratory disability, to include sinusitis and rhinitis, and a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are considered in line with his service history.,Service connection is granted for both the upper respiratory disorder (including sinusitis and rhinitis) and the cervical spine disability.

The Board has granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and right Eustachian tube dysfunction and status post tympanic membrane rupture with ventilation tube.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for the right elbow and increased ratings for the neck. The Veteran's appeal of hearing loss is denied as his puretone thresholds do not meet VA criteria for a disability. The claims for increased ratings for the right shoulder and feet, as well as sinusitis with headaches, are remanded due to lack of proper procedural steps.

The Veteran's sinusitis with nosebleeds was evaluated at a 30% rating after March 3, 2017. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is as likely as not secondary to his service-connected rhinitis, and thus grants service connection for this condition.