Sinusitis decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including reopening service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, determining a rating for low back disability, and examining the etiology of sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 18, 2007.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and asthma with sleep apnea are all rated as they currently stand. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the left knee disability and asthma with sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

A higher initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD from October 1, 2011 to August 1, 2013 is granted.,An initial disability rating for maxillary sinusitis of 10 percent, but no higher, from October 1, 2011 to August 29, 2013 is granted; a rating in excess of 50 percent from August 29, 2013 is denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and IBS. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and headaches, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's boxing career during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased rating for low back disability, service connection for sinusitis, bilateral foot disability, headaches, and hemorrhoids due to additional development being required.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and respiratory disorder (rhinitis). The appeal is remanded for additional examinations.,PTSD was granted, while the other conditions were not.

The Board has remanded the claims due to additional development being required, including consideration of new VA treatment and examination records.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective from the date of this decision. The other claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the issues of reducing the Veteran's disability rating for sinusitis maxillary from 50% to noncompensable, entitlement to an increased rating for sinusitis, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis is rated at 50% since October 20, 2016. Prior to this date, the condition was not service-connected.

The Veteran's treatment at IRMC on February 16, 2013 was for a medical emergency due to severe symptoms including dizziness, weakness, and stomach pain. The closest VA facility was 70 miles away and not feasibly available, so the cost of the services provided by IRMC is covered.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inconsistencies in VA medical opinions and recent statements indicating an increase in severity of symptoms. The Veteran needs additional examinations for his sleep disorder, sinusitis, and headaches.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions and examinations are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, as well as his increased rating claims. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for various knee disorders, hallux valgus, and hemorrhoids have also been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for sinusitis rhinitis and right corneal opacity/nebula, as well as his claim for a TDIU rating. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, schedule examinations, and readjudicate the claims in light of any newly applicable or revised criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis is remanded due to the need for clarification of his diagnosis and a medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis with nasal polyps, obstructive sleep apnea, and atrial fibrillation. The evidence supports the Veteran's claims that these conditions are related to his military service, particularly his exposure at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks.