Sinusitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder was dismissed because the condition was granted during the pendency of this appeal. The Board also remanded two issues: service connection for a neck or cervical spine disorder and service connection for sleeping problems, including obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain is granted as service-connected.,There is no current diagnosis of sinusitis. The claim for sinusitis is denied.,Service connection for lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) is granted.,Service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity, sciatic nerve is remanded.,Service connection for radiculopathy, right lower extremity, sciatic nerve is remanded.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected hypertension and is granted as service-connected.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for claimed memory loss or other cognitive or neurological disability as due to VA-prescribed medication taken for hypertension is remanded.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's sinusitis had its onset during active service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's in-service ENT conditions are related to his current condition. The Board also found that the Veteran's OSA began during service and is related to his service-connected sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from securing or following substantial gainful employment, and the Board finds she is not unemployable due to her service-connected conditions.

Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,Compensable disability rating for sinusitis is denied.,Service connection for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient details regarding the stressor.,Service connection for asthma is remanded due to insufficient details regarding the nature of the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent otitis media and chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least in equipoise with his service history.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as well as any secondary service connection claims related to sinusitis, rhinitis, and pes planus. The decision is based on the need for a new VA medical opinion due to concerns about the adequacy of the previous opinion.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding chemical exposures while working in proximity to Titan II missiles. The Veteran's respiratory issues are being considered as possibly related to his service, specifically exposure to asbestos.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis and credible reports of symptoms during service are sufficient to establish a nexus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet is dismissed due to pyramiding.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been granted. The Veteran served in the Southwest Asia theater and has a current diagnosis of IBS.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is remanded due to lack of an appropriate diagnosis or clear etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for dizziness, including due to undiagnosed illness, is remanded as the cause of his symptoms has not been determined.,Service connection for chronic frontal sinusitis is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its onset and relation to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for chronic sinusitis, which is related to his military service and exposure to cold weather environments and fumes in the motor pool. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied, and a 10 percent rating is granted for his chronic maxillary sinusitis as of October 30, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining issues, including respiratory disability, psychiatric disorder, cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, and foot disabilities, are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions, including a neck disorder, groin condition, erectile dysfunction, and allergic rhinitis, were denied. The claim for service connection for the groin condition was also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues including service connection for sinusitis, TMJ disorder, bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis), and an initial rating greater than 10 percent for GERD and IBS with inflammatory bowel disease. The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is already rated as part of his TBI.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and sinusitis due to inadequate examination reports. The asthma claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of sciatica or asthma, and the Veteran does not meet criteria for increased ratings.