Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain with disc disease and traumatic arthritis, as well as claims for service connection for various conditions, were denied. The Veteran was also denied a temporary total evaluation for his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder to include sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were not incurred in service nor are they otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis and vertigo have been granted initial disability ratings of 10% and 30%, respectively, effective October 4, 2010. The rating for vertigo was increased to 30% from November 28, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection based on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on October 8, 2014 are denied because the treatment was not authorized and did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis and a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand several claims related to the Veteran's exposure to mustard gas, herbicide agents, and/or other chemicals and/or toxins. The claims for prostate cancer, respiratory disorder (COPD), sleep apnea, hypertension, sinusitis, nerve condition, and headaches are being reviewed due to possible exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for frontal sinusitis was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including sleep apnea, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae, but has determined that additional development is needed due to the chronic nature of these conditions. The Veteran needs to be provided with VA examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board found no evidence linking his heart condition to his active duty service or any potential exposure to herbicides while stationed at Korat RTAFB.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including deviated septum, chronic/allergic rhinitis, radiculopathy, PTSD, and a psychiatric disorder, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current diagnosis or insufficient link between symptoms and service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sinusitis, PTSD, and depression for further examination and medical opinions due to inconsistencies in the evidence regarding diagnoses and potential service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service treatment and do not indicate chronic sinusitis. The claim is denied as there is no clinical or radiologic evidence of chronic sinusitis.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg sciatica, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his military service.,Service connection was denied for sinusitis and depression. The denial of sinusitis is based on a lack of evidence showing chronicity after service, while the denial of depression is due to insufficient evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine, right shoulder, lumbar spine, right elbow, right knee, skin, and hemorrhoids disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine their current severity. The Veteran's sinusitis claim is also being remanded as the VA examiner did not provide a clear opinion regarding whether his condition had its onset in service or was otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The claims for service connection related to nasal disorder, sinusitis, broken nose residuals, and head injury have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,New evidence has not been received that would support reopening of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for chronic sinusitis need to be remanded due to inadequate examination and new evidence received since the last decision.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the claim for service connection for conjunctivitis due to service-connected maxillary sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The other claims are also on appeal.