Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as the claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches due to lack of proper consideration in prior decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pes planus of both feet and allergic vasomotor rhinitis due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) at any time during the appeals period.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his left knee condition was withdrawn. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted, but the issue of a compensable rating for GERD remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back condition and allergic rhinitis due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which he contends are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for all of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including Hepatitis C, angina, bone cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression or anxiety), erectile dysfunction, GERD, herpes, hypertension, jaw disability, left arm disability, left knee disability, left leg disability, left shoulder disability, lung cancer, prostate cancer, sinusitis, and sore throat. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for any of these conditions.

A rating of 10 percent for service-connected chronic maxillary sinusitis is granted. The Veteran's right knee instability and range of motion issues are remanded.

The Veteran is granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Service connection for residuals of tuberculosis, an eye disorder, and a sinus condition are denied.,Service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to in-service radiation exposure is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis caused or aggravated his sleep apnea. A new examination is required.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, including depression and back pain. The Board has granted TDIU based on the impact of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sickle cell trait with bleeding and migraines, sleep apnea (Gulf War exposure), erectile dysfunction (secondary to hernia and medications), degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, allergic rhinitis, and inguinal hernia. The Veteran is also requested to provide a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 17, 2019, and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for either period.,The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is currently rated as non-compensable (0 percent) prior to May 17, 2019. The Board found the evidence did not support a compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, allergic rhinitis, and several other conditions are granted service connection. Service connection is also remanded for low back, cervical spine, right knee, gastrointestinal, and hypertension disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA medical records and need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary condition, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, and bronchitis, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Board will request an opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Bell’s palsy, sinus disorder, and back disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,VA treatment records from prior to October 2013 are needed for Bell’s palsy claim; a VA examination is also required.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for respiratory disorders, nasal polyps, and a low back disorder due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea with COPD and irritable bowel syndrome, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, conjunctivitis, and sinusitis have been granted. Additionally, the Veteran has been awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and sleep apnea, but finds that further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.