Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and sinus headaches are granted a 50% rating effective December 12, 2015. The claim of an initial compensable rating for nasal septal deviation is denied. The claim of entitlement to a higher rating for obstructive sleep apnea is denied. The claim of entitlement to a higher rating for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for chronic sinusitis and a psychiatric disability was dismissed. The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include depression and anxiety, but denied the claim for increased disability ratings for his lumbar spine strain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of sense of smell, taste, sinusitis, hypertension, and headaches have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Service records do not show any complaints or diagnoses related to the claimed conditions until after separation from service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to review outstanding SSA records and any related evidence.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues are either denied or remanded.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as the earliest claim was received on October 14, 2010. The claims for left wrist disability, sleep apnea, increased ratings for non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are all remanded.

The Veteran's claims have been remanded due to new evidence received and the need for further examinations. The reopened claim of fibrocystic breast disease is pending, while other issues related to service connection are also being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the cases of vertigo and sinusitis due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address certain theories of service connection.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death prior to the issuance of an appellate decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to missing records from the Moncrief Army Medical Center. Additionally, an SOC is needed on issues of increased ratings for knee conditions, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and service connection for hammertoes, sleep apnea, toe fungus, sinusitis, rhinitis, hearing loss, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, left forearm disability, right shoulder disability, and right forearm disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected disabilities due to new evidence indicating that his symptoms have worsened since the last VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of new evidence. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, high cholesterol, obesity, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, asthma, sleep apnea, hernia, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, headaches, and seizures.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals, simple fracture, nasal bones with chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches have not increased in severity sufficiently to warrant a higher evaluation. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination to assess the current level of severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his thoracolumbar spine condition was remanded. His need for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was also remanded due to the lack of evidence showing he requires regular aid and assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis and remands for further development on other issues including sleep apnea, tension headaches, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for fibromyalgia, vertigo, respiratory disability (sinusitis or allergic rhinitis), cardiovascular disability, skin rash, and memory loss is not granted as there is no current disability related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, both secondary to his service-connected traumatic deviated septum. The hearing loss claim is also being remanded due to incomplete audiometric evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, bilateral pes planus, eye disorder (presumably vision impairment), ear disorder (hearing loss and possibly other auditory issues), respiratory disorder, and digestive disorder. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded for further development.