Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, left ankle disability, left knee disability, left wrist disability, allergic rhinitis, and eustachian tube dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for sinusitis due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding the diagnosis and etiology of the condition during the appeal period.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination to assess his current employment impact from service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for glaucoma, sinus disorder (to include rhinitis), respiratory disorder (to include asthma), hypertension, and headaches were denied.,An effective date prior to May 30, 2014 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder).,Service connection is also granted for internal derangement left knee with limitation of flexion, a separate rating for extension prior to March 17, 2018, and an increased rating from March 17, 2018. The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as his right ankle disability, costochondritis, sinusitis, and headaches have been granted.

The Veteran contends that he has sinusitis and allergic rhinitis as a result of his service-connected asthma. VA treatment records indicate use of nasal allergy spray with a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, and service treatment records indicate complaints of and treatment for cough, nasal congestion, sinuses in service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including respiratory condition, rhinitis, sleep apnea, heart condition (slow pulse and pacemaker), and scrotum condition, have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left calf strain, allergic rhinitis, gastroenteritis, and left knee strain, as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions and the evidence did not support a nexus to active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate examinations and evidence. The Veteran's claims of service connection for numbness of the right hand, including carpal tunnel syndrome, and sinusitis are pending.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

Service connection is granted for headaches, PTSD, and low back strain. Other issues are remanded.

The claim for service connection for esophagitis is granted, and the appeal is remanded for further development regarding right ankle disability and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral toenail onychomycosis and allergic rhinitis and septal deviation due to trauma as they failed to ensure VA satisfied the duty to assist in this case by providing an adequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims for sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, low back disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and an increased rating for a low back disability.

The Veteran's ethmoid sinusitis was granted a 30 percent rating from February 22, 2017. Prior to this date, he received a 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with right achilles tendonitis is rated at 10 percent disabling, effective February 3, 2009. The Veteran also received a TDIU for the periods from February 3, 2009 through August 2, 2011 and from May 1, 2018 to present.

The Veteran's appeals were partially granted, with some issues receiving increased ratings and others remaining unchanged or denied. The effective dates for several grants of service connection are set to June 18, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right knee arthritis and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected conditions.