Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for subglottic and laryngeal stenosis and allergic rhinitis due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide information about his private healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions, and all relevant records must be obtained.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to service connection and rating determinations for various conditions, as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as his representative withdrew all issues on appeal in September 2019.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus. The Appellant's periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA do not show any complaints, treatment, or diagnosis related to these conditions.,For the skin disorder, chronic rhinitis, and sinusitis claims, new opinions are needed as the VA examinations did not differentiate between ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA periods.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches, and an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis was diagnosed during service and continues to be present, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral shin splints and remanded his claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for sinusitis and blood transfusion. The July 2006 rating decision denying these claims is final.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 15, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, bilateral ear condition, sinusitis, and sore throat (also referred to as sore throat condition) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.,There is no medical evidence showing that any of the claimed conditions were incurred or aggravated by the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hay fever and sleep apnea, as they are intertwined. The appellant's statements about his allergy symptoms during active duty training (ACDUTRA) need to be considered in determining whether there was aggravation beyond its natural progression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his in-service vaccinations and his current condition.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis, claimed as a sinus condition, existed prior to enlistment and was aggravated during service. Service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it was not proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected maxillary sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider all relevant evidence, including lay statements and Defense Agency correspondence regarding possible exposure to ionizing radiation. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis with a deviated septum will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran withdrew it before a decision was made.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective September 19, 2018. The appeals for right knee disability, deviated nasal septum, sinusitis, and thoracolumbar spine spondylosis and lumbar strain are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a separate rating for sleep apnea associated with service-connected bronchial asthma was denied. The Board also found the evidence insufficient to determine if allergic rhinitis is related to service or service-connected conditions, and thus remanded these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, particularly regarding her service-connected foot disabilities. The appeals will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.