Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Board denied a higher rating for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 7, 2019 and found no evidence warranting a rating in excess of 30 percent from March 7, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right big toe injury, allergic rhinitis, small pox reaction, and Bipolar Disorder with anxiety were previously denied due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link to military service. New evidence did not provide material information.

The Veteran's current sinusitis and rhinitis are being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if they are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral foot disabilities and allergic rhinitis are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia, left hip condition, right hip condition, sinusitis, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and neuropathy of the left upper extremity, were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is partially granted, with a 10 percent rating for left knee instability since March 7, 2014. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and prostate cancer should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The issues of service connection are being remanded due to insufficient opinions provided in previous evaluations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions such as TBI, sinusitis, headaches, eye disorder, stomach disability, typhoid vaccination residuals, and diabetes mellitus. The issues are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted for prolapsed hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA regulations. The issues of service connection and reopening of claims are addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected empty nose syndrome with rhinitis.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability and other service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 4, 2008. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that more development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for benign brain tumor residuals, positional vertigo, and chronic sinusitis. The issues are being remanded due to submission of additional evidence requiring a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and rhinitis due to lack of a causal relationship between the conditions and military service.

The Veteran's allergic reactions and bilateral feet condition are not service-connected.,The Veteran's sinusitis is not service-connected.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability is manifested by at worst forward flexion to 50 degrees. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderately severe incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderate incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left knee condition is manifested by at worst frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right knee traumatic arthritis is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s PTSD is manifested by at worst flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, sleep impairment, depression, anxiety, and difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left wrist disability is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and examining his claimed PTSD.