Sinusitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has not been established for a left foot disability, vision disorder, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, right foot disability, upper and lower extremity disabilities, respiratory disorders, sleep disorder, or psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left foot disability is denied as there was no prior claim filed.,Service connection for vision disorder, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, right foot disability, upper and lower extremity disabilities, respiratory disability, left shoulder disability, neck disability, back disability, sleep disorder, and erectile dysfunction are all denied.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating, and the Board found no evidence of more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year. The claim for increased rating for sinusitis is denied.,VA examinations were not provided to address service connection for rashes and weakened immune system as requested by the Board in September 2016.

The Veteran's chronic maxillary sinusitis was granted an increased rating of 30 percent prior to September 20, 2015. The claim for a higher rating after that date is denied. The non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis and GERD claims are both denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension, left shoulder disability, and allergic rhinitis. The right shoulder and right ankle disabilities remain denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinusitis, adjustment disorder, and hypertension are service-connected. However, further development is needed for his sleep apnea claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for chronic muscle spasm of the right leg, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic sinusitis, dermatitis (claimed as skin rash), and headache (claimed as chronic headache).,There is no current evidence to support a diagnosis of chronic muscle spasm of the right leg. The Veteran's symptoms are not related to service.,The Veteran has sensorineural hearing loss that did not begin during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Tinnitus was first reported over 25 years after separation from service and is likely a symptom of the Veteran’s existing hearing loss.,Chronic sinusitis is not linked to service as there are no symptoms documented during service. The current diagnosis is too long after service for a link to be established.,The Veteran's dermatitis (claimed as skin rash) was not present during service and is not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's sinusitis has not required radical surgery or any repeated surgeries, so the current 30 percent rating for sinusitis is denied.

The Veteran's osteophyte bilateral hip disability, spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis, sinusitis, and PTSD are all found to be related to his active service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran’s claimed conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings on multiple conditions, including left shoulder bursitis, thoracolumbar strain, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, hip osteoarthritis, knee patellofemoral syndrome (both knees), ankle post-operative changes, sinusitis, and hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Veteran's appeals for maxillary sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, loss of vision, and swelling of the left face. The claim for polyarthritis of the bilateral lower extremities is not supported by evidence showing a link to military service or an undiagnosed illness. Service connection for hyperinsomnia with sleep apnea was not addressed as it is attributed to a known diagnosed disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to insufficient evidence in his claims file, particularly regarding his Reserve service records and treatment records. The Veteran is also required to provide private medical records related to his knee disabilities.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for arthritis of the wrists, left foot condition, right foot condition, ischemia, and chronic sinusitis. However, service connection is not granted for any of these conditions.

The Board previously granted SMC at the housebound rate from April 22, 2008 onward. However, due to a previous administrative decision discontinuing TDIU benefits, the RO did not implement this grant of SMC. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for reopening of service connection for hemoccult positive stools has been granted. The claims for service connection for a sinus disorder, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, insomnia, and psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's ethmoid sinusitis is not rated higher than noncompensable, as there were no incapacitating episodes or purulent discharge/crusting.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder warrants a 70% rating due to symptoms including depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and sleep impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional examinations and records, as the Veteran's symptoms have worsened since her last VA examination.

The Board dismissed the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for hearing loss. The petitions to reopen claims for service connection for tinnitus, sinusitis, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) were granted. Service connection was denied for a left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and low back disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence submitted since the last denial was found to be cumulative and not new or material.