Sinusitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations. The AOJ is also tasked with determining whether service connection is in effect for diabetes mellitus, scheduling an examination for erectile dysfunction, and obtaining medical nexus opinions for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fatigue, loss of sense of taste, and loss of sense of smell.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including fibromyalgia and various hip, ankle, groin, eye, heart, and other conditions. The VA is required to obtain medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board dismissed all claims for increased ratings and denied service connection for dental trauma. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, leading to a TDIU determination.

The Veteran's service-connected mental disabilities and physical conditions make her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. However, the claim is remanded as more information is needed regarding her employment status.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective from November 12, 2016. The Veteran's depression disability with anxious distress is rated at 70 percent since March 2, 2017 and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sinusitis, as well as several rating issues related to knee and toe disabilities. The AOJ must issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) in response to the new evidence.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and breathing problems is denied.,A rating of 40 percent for residual sprain & strain of lumbosacral spine w/ mild narrowing of L5-S1 is granted, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's umbilical hernia was noted at entrance to service and preexisted service. It is not considered aggravated by service.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension that began during or within one year after his separation from service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuous symptomatology associated with the disability.,Service connection for dizziness (presumed to be related to a peripheral vestibular disorder) is denied as there is no in-service injury, event, or disease and no current diagnosis. The Veteran's dizziness has been presumed based on continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis that began during or within one year after his separation from service. There is no evidence of an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is granted with a 20 percent rating, and the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus is denied. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left hand disability due to her withdrawal at the hearing. The other issues are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's conditions are found to be at least as likely as not related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent sleep disability, fatigue, and chronic sinusitis are remanded due to the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and a right knee disability, finding that these conditions are directly related to the Veteran's active duty service.,For other issues such as hearing loss and gastrointestinal disabilities, additional evidence is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings in writing prior to the hearing, thus all issues on appeal are dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 8, 2017, and 30 percent as of that date. The claim for higher ratings is denied.,The Veteran's sinusitis was rated at 0 percent prior to June 8, 2017, and 30 percent as of that date. The claim for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service-connected. The right, low back, and left foot disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a respiratory condition as secondary to an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's representative is urged to assist in obtaining private medical records from his pain management providers.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as his application to reopen claims for sleep apnea and VA compensation for a dental disability. The Board also granted the reopening of these claims and awarded service connection for a dental disability. Service connection was denied for irritable bowel syndrome, neck disability, and sleep apnea. A compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied, but TDIU was granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for irritable bowel syndrome, tinea pedis, TBI, dementia, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, respiratory ailment/breathing problems, periodontal condition, and hearing loss. The AOJ is instructed to request development from JSRRC to corroborate the Veteran's reports of deployment with the 602nd Tactical Air Control Center Squadron in Southwest Asia.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for hypertension, otitis externa, headaches, sinusitis, and sleep apnea due to lack of medical nexus opinions. The Veteran's disabilities are believed to be related to his exposure to industrial solvents and other chemicals during active service.