Sinusitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left knee instability is granted at a 20 percent rating, effective from May 4, 2009 to February 11, 2014. The right knee instability and gout of both knees are each granted at a 60 percent rating, effective from February 11, 2014. Rhinosinusitis is granted at a 60 percent rating, effective from August 18, 2017.

The Veteran's deviated septum and chronic rhinosinusitis are rated at the maximum allowed, but his TDIU claim is denied due to his service-connected disabilities not preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as he meets the schedular criteria for a combined rating of 90% due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, which renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of higher rating for PTSD, service connection for hearing loss, heart condition, sinusitis, left ankle and knee conditions, scar of right eyebrow, and tinnitus. The RO is directed to address these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the cases of left clavicle disorder, stomach disorder, TMJ dysfunction, rhinitis, right gastrocnemius muscle injury, and migraines are remanded due to outstanding evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the claim of service connection for a gynecological disability is denied. The remaining issues are granted with specific evaluations.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for left thigh and chronic sinusitis as they were fully granted in prior rating decisions. The claims of service connection for left hip strain and left knee strain are granted, with a finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during service. The claim of service connection for low back disorder is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran had a diagnosis of sinusitis during his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and meniscal injury, right knee degenerative arthritis, and chronic sinusitis. Service connection was denied for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service and granted. The cases of rhinitis, asthma, skin disability (including as secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder), and right foot fungus are remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, sinusitis, and respiratory disability (COPD) due to herbicide agent exposure. The cases are remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claims of asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the current examination report does not address whether he requires aid and attendance or is housebound.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his military service, and the claim for this condition is granted.,There is no evidence of a dental disability that warrants compensation. The Veteran’s gum condition does not meet the criteria for VA compensation.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran has a left knee condition, bilateral foot condition, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis related to his military service.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition is related to his military service.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran’s sinus conditions (allergic rhinitis and sinusitis) are related to his military service.,No evidence of a preexisting sinus condition prior to service.

The Veteran's claims for Bell’s palsy, right eye glaucoma, bilateral weak ankles, and sinusitis were all denied as there was no new and material evidence received to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and a respiratory disorder (claimed as asbestosis) is partially granted. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA medical records and insufficient examination reports. The issues include sinusitis, rhinitis, bilateral ear disorder (otitis externa), right hip disorder, left shoulder disorder, bilateral Achilles tendon disorder, residuals of osteotomy with genioplasty, and genital herpes.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, but the claims for left knee disorder and acquired allergies are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that a new examination and etiology opinion are needed for the Veteran's claim of sinusitis, as the previous opinion was inadequate.