Sinusitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. The issue of an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for TBI and PTSD remains unresolved.,The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his TBI and PTSD was denied, and the case has been remanded for further review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis, finding that there is no evidence linking her current condition to her active service. The Board noted that while she had a decompression injury during service, there was no diagnosis of or treatment for a sinus disorder at the time. She did not report symptoms until years after service ended.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining treatment records and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran did not have anatomical loss or use of both feet, nor was he blind in both eyes, permanently bedridden, or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and assistance from another person.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for otitis media effective July 1, 1999. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of an earlier effective date for sinusitis and a separate rating for otitis media residuals (including dizziness).

The Veteran's nasal polyps are granted as service connected.,Tinnitus is not rated higher than the maximum allowed under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of his left shoulder disability was granted. Appeals for the other issues were dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for endometriosis, rhinitis and sinusitis, and peritoneal adhesions have all been denied. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.,There is no persuasive evidence that the currently diagnosed rhinitis or sinusitis had onset in active service or is otherwise causally connected to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is being remanded for a more contemporaneous examination to assess the severity of his condition since December 2015.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it began during his military service. The nasal disorder, sinusitis, and gastro-intestinal condition are remanded for further examination and opinion. Service connection for a perforated eardrum is also remanded. Service connection for pes planus (flat feet) remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of her service-connected conditions. The issues include TDIU, a higher rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, earlier effective dates for service connection, and various other disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance, as well as his requests to revise effective dates of service connection decisions related to sinusitis, back disability, and left ankle disability are all pending and require further review.,The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for sinusitis. The AOJ must consider whether there was CUE in the October 1985 rating decision that assigned a noncompensable initial rating for sinusitis.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for his back disability, which was awarded based on CUE in the October 2015 rating decision. The AOJ must review whether there was CUE in this decision as well.,Lastly, the Veteran is requesting a revision of the August 2011 rating decision that granted service connection for his left ankle disability due to CUE. The AOJ needs to determine if there was CUE in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sinus condition, including sinusitis, is related to his military service. The Veteran was exposed to tear gas during his military service and experienced ear, nose, or throat issues upon separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches and sinusitis, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, diabetes, recurrent pneumonia, sinusitis, and chronic fatigue syndrome manifested by disability.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis but denied service connection for a back disability. The decision on the back disability is based on lack of evidence linking it to service, while the decision on sinusitis is in favor of the Veteran due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions provided by VA examiners. The Veteran's sinusitis, right hip disorder, right knee disorder, and left elbow disorder are all being reviewed for potential service connection.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to her countable income exceeding the applicable maximum annual pension rate. The appeal is also remanded for issues related to service connection and effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling new VA examinations.