Sinusitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis were granted, while her claim for a respiratory disorder other than allergic rhinitis (including asthma and sinusitis) was denied due to lack of evidence within the required presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete compliance with prior remand instructions. Additional development is needed, including obtaining supplemental VA opinions on secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and a respiratory disorder including chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis due to insufficient evidence or incomplete examinations. The Veteran is entitled to further examination and opinion regarding his service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for various conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis due to exposure during the Persian Gulf War, but denied claims for tinnitus, ear infections, and otitis media.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been rated at 10 percent since March 4, 2016. The Board denied a higher rating as there is no evidence of incapacitating or non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions regarding service connection for sinusitis and an initial compensable rating for chronic anterior uveitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders have been reopened, but the Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for RLE peripheral neuropathy is pending and will be remanded as well.

The Board has granted service connection for mild mitral regurgitation and denied service connection for sinusitis. Service connection was established based on the link between the Veteran's in-service heart murmur and her current diagnosis of mild mitral regurgitation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis and migraine headaches due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding private treatment records from her ENT specialist and neurologist.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches as secondary to service-connected chronic sinusitis. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for chronic bronchitis.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder is granted, and he is awarded a 30 percent rating for sinusitis. The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder remains at the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's treatment at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center on May 2, 2011 was for a migraine headache and sinusitis. The Board found that the treatment met the criteria for emergency medical care due to unusual symptoms and lack of availability of VA facilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a sinus condition due to exposure to burn pits while deployed in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's pre-existing allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis are not considered aggravated by service, but an addendum opinion is needed to clarify if any allergic rhinitis existed prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as his combined rating does not exceed 60 percent and he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted as presumptively related to exposure to particulate matter during service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia are remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for urinary incontinence, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability are granted. The claim for sinusitis is dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of her appeal.,The Veteran's right ankle disability claim is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches. Service connection was granted for sinusitis but denied for TBI residuals.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to address the service connection claim for sinusitis. The initial compensable rating claim for allergic rhinitis remains pending.