Sinusitis decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the reduction of disability ratings for lumbar spondylosis and herniated disc, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy was improper. The appeal is granted in part as the original disability ratings are restored. Additionally, the claim for service connection for OSA has been denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal for the issues of effective dates earlier than January 26, 2014 for service connection granted for allergic rhinitis, plantar fasciitis, right foot injury with arthritis, and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition and sinusitis, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The claim for an earlier effective date for chronic rhinitis was deemed moot as it predated the current claim period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, hypertension, and other conditions have been denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury related to these conditions.,The Veteran was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and right wrist after discharge from service, but no in-service complaints or diagnoses were noted.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for chronic sinusitis due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's contention that his head colds during service were caused by allergies, and the STRs indicating treatment for cough, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip are considered.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, rating for fibromyalgia with constipation, sinus disability, allergic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, and hysterectomy. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sinusitis and headaches due to additional evidence being needed, including private medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for several issues, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. The appeals are being placed in RAMP (Rapid Appeals Modernization Program) due to receipt of a valid Opt-In notice.

The reduction from a 10 percent rating to a noncompensable rating for traumatic deviated septum with sinusitis, effective November 1, 2014, was not proper and the 10 percent rating is restored.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to clarify the Veteran's sleep apnea and its relationship to his service, service-connected conditions, or obesity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence not being material to reopen sinusitis, ocular pressure and compromised vision, and elevated cholesterol claims. The hearing loss claim remains in a REMANDED status.

The Board denied a compensable rating for maxillary sinusitis prior to February 3, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The claim for GERD was also denied with a higher rating granted but not effective until May 11, 2017.,Right knee patellofemoral syndrome/runner’s knee and left knee patellofemoral syndrome/runner’s knee were both remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis, GERD, and eczema have been granted with specific disability ratings. The decision also includes a remand for the issue of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection and increased rating as they involve new and relevant evidence, including outstanding Martin Army Community Hospital records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete examination reports.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia has been granted. The appeal regarding the nasal disorder is still pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's back condition, right ear hearing loss disability, and left ear hearing loss disability are all found to be related to his military service. However, the Veteran's bilateral calf muscle claudication is not considered service-connected.,The Veteran was exposed to herbicide exposure during his service in Vietnam, which may have contributed to his sinusitis condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and chronic sinusitis, to include associated headaches. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied as it is already at the maximum schedular rating. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's sinusitis is not manifested by incapacitating episodes or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.,The Board has expanded the scope of the Veteran’s claims to encompass any diagnosis raised by the record. The matter is REMANDED for further development as described above.,Entitlement to service connection for a lung disability is remanded due to lack of medical opinion addressing causation related to service, Gulf War exposure, or undiagnosed illness.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (including anxiety, depression, and PTSD) is remanded due to the need for further development as described above.,Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for sinusitis is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, as secondary to his service-connected hypertension and sleep apnea disabilities.