Sinusitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for sinusitis was withdrawn during his November 2015 Board hearing. The case is being remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain outstanding VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions. The appeal will be remanded to allow for this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung disability, including linear atelectasis of right lung base, and obstructive sleep apnea are related to his military service and his service-connected allergic rhinitis and recurrent sinusitis, status post nasal fracture and septoplasty. The decision is in favor of granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and the need to obtain additional treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is manifested by at least two incapacitating episodes and more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year, with constant headaches, pain, and crusting or discharges. The Board finds that the evidence as a whole indicates these symptoms warrant a 50 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear disorders, including hearing loss, were not related to his period of active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding the Veteran's employability. The case is now pending for further development and an appropriate opinion from a vocational expert.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to its inextricability with other claims, and the Veteran's increased rating claims for sinusitis and PTSD have not yet been adjudicated. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is a result of his service-connected chronic sinusitis, and thus grants the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to active service or caused by his service-connected sinusitis. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not related to service, but her sinusitis and associated headaches are related to service.,Service connection for a low back disorder is denied. Service connection for sinusitis with associated sinus headaches is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 17, 2007 did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee is not related to his service, as it was a self-limiting condition. The Board finds that he does not have current sinusitis and thus cannot establish service connection for this issue.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with venous stasis dermatitis of the lower extremities (formerly tinea cruris) which is currently present. However, his in-service rash was resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience, effective October 16, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation prior to November 26, 2012 and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter for chronic maxillary sinusitis was denied. The effective date remains at the date of receipt of his claim on May 22, 2009.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is pending as it requires additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a right ankle disability, residuals of low back injury, right lower extremity sciatica, sinusitis, rhinitis, IBS, and GERD. The decision also addressed reopening of his claim for service connection for asbestos exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis did not manifest in service and is not related to his military service, including any exposure to herbicide agents. Therefore, service connection for sinusitis was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as his claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, require additional development before they can be adjudicated on the merits. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nasal disability, including sinusitis, deviated septum, and non-allergic rhinitis, was incurred or aggravated in active duty service.