Sinusitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for sinusitis prior to July 15, 2015 was denied. For the period since July 15, 2015, his sinusitis with vasomotor rhinitis is rated as 30 percent disabling. The Veteran is also granted a separate noncompensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including his adjustment disorder and various musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined rating is at the maximum level.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not found new and material evidence to support these claims. The left shoulder disability claim is granted as there is now credible evidence of a current condition. The left knee disability, sinus disability (including sinusitis), sleep disorder (including sleep apnea and secondary to tinnitus), and hypertension claims are denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinosinusitis, but due to a remand order from the Court, the case is sent back for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, asthma, sleep apnea with asthma, and sinusitis are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The RO will review this evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, recurrent sinusitis, and diverticulosis have all been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure.,Service connection is also granted for a psychiatric disorder including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, patellofemoral syndrome with bursitis and degenerative changes of the right knee, and recurrent sinusitis. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis prior to August 23, 2016 have been denied as there is no evidence of polyps or significant nasal obstruction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bladder dysfunction, CAD, diabetes mellitus, Type II) are considered to have contributed substantially or materially to his death from COPD.

The Veteran's brain disorder, periventricular microangiopathy, is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection for allergic rhinosinusitis and skin disorders of the arms and face and back are also granted due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected GERD and rhinosinusitis. The claims for bronchitis, hypertension, and gallstones are denied.

Your claim for a higher evaluation for bilateral otitis media is being remanded as your symptoms have worsened since the last examination.,Your claims for service connection of chronic sinusitis, chronic throat infection, and lung conditions are being remanded due to new evidence indicating an association with your service-connected bilateral otitis media.

The Board has remanded the claims for sinusitis and PTSD due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, Diverticular disease, Sinusitis, Obstructive sleep apnea, and Diabetes mellitus, type II as they are not proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to a lack of recent treatment records and an outdated VA examination.

The Veteran's chronic frontal sinusitis is granted a 30 percent disability rating prior to January 12, 2015 and denied any higher. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's effective date for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is granted as of April 26, 2010.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for skin ulceration of the lower extremities and fatigue, both related to service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations during the Persian Gulf War.,However, the claim for service connection for bronchial asthma remains denied as there is no new evidence linking it to service.