Sinusitis decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis and sinus headaches, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination due to the passage of time and the Veteran's reported worsening symptoms. The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis is found to be a direct result of his service-connected chronic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims were denied across multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and ratings for existing disabilities. The appeals are not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, sleep apnea, neck condition and gastrointestinal condition are all service-connected. The Board has also granted service connection for sinusitis and low back condition. However, the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, reflecting one or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sinusitis is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sinusitis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of in-service disease or injury, and no link between current conditions and military service.

The Board denied service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis class I and chronic sinusitis, finding no current diagnoses of these conditions.,Service connection was granted for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic upper respiratory infections, finding that her symptoms are related to already service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently manifested by symptoms such as reported sinus pain, but no more than X-ray evidence of mild mucoperiosteal thickening in both maxillary sinuses without significant opacification or disease. The criteria for an increased (compensable) rating are not met.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disability, diagnosed as sinusitis or allergic rhinitis, did not have its onset during service and is not related to service exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected hallux valgus with Morton's Neuroma of the right foot is rated at 10 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU based on his other service-connected conditions. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during the period on appeal.,Service connection for a disability manifested by frequent urination is denied because there is no current evidence showing such a condition during or in close proximity to the period on appeal.,Erectile dysfunction was not service connected due to lack of an in-service disease or injury and absence of a nexus between the condition and service. The Veteran's back surgery occurred 28 years after discharge from service.,Service connection for a skin disability is denied as there is no current evidence showing such a condition during or in close proximity to the period on appeal.,The claim for service connection for headaches was denied because there is no current evidence showing such a condition during or in close proximity to the period on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis has not manifested as more than three to four non-incapacitating episodes per year, which does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating than the current 10 percent assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since August 28, 2014. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Veteran's deviated septum and sinusitis with allergic rhinitis are considered service-connected.,However, the Veteran's respiratory disorder is not considered service-connected.