Sinusitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's sinusitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), and GERD have been granted service connection. The rating for GERD has been increased to 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected pansinusitis and polypectomies. The VA examiner will need to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's claim for higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and private treatment records from Rothman Orthopedics, Jefferson Hospital, and Bryn Mawr Orthopedic Clinic.

The Board has granted service connection for left elbow pain, but denied service connection for subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Service connection is also granted for sinusitis, with the condition having been resolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and knee disabilities due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran was out of the country and scheduled for back surgery which caused him to miss the examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E services to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing is remanded due to pre-decisional errors and the need for further evaluation by a VRC considering his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran's sinusitis and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and migraines, respectively. He is also granted a 10% disability rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's COPD is granted as secondary to herbicide exposure. Service connection for chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 30 percent prior to June 7, 2019. After that date, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the termination of TDIU, SMC, and DEA benefits was proper due to the Veteran's gainful employment after August 15, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sinus condition was reopened due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress and alcohol abuse dependence; mild head trauma with blackout; menorrhagia claimed as vaginal bleeding; lower mouth, swelling; lump on the left side of neck; lump behind the left ear; sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, claimed as nasal congestion; skin trauma and abrasions, right arm; and skin abrasions of the right elbow, bilateral knees and upper back.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for myalgia and myositis, a skin condition (blepharitis of both eyes), sinusitis, and a back condition have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,The Veteran has provided evidence of current symptoms related to his in-service diagnoses but lacks sufficient credible medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection and increased ratings on multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, foot fungus, left shoulder disorder, restless leg syndrome, rhinitis, sinusitis, sleep disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's nasal septum repair with residual septum defect is granted a 10 percent rating. The issue of service connection for chronic sinusitis and rhinitis is remanded.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for urethritis/prostatitis, but denied service connection for sinusitis and lung or respiratory disability (to include COPD).

The Board has dismissed all the claims for service connection and evaluation as they are related to a deceased Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for various health issues, including muscle pain, sleep disorders, hypertension, skin rashes, sinusitis, and headaches. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and expert opinion.