Sinusitis decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sinusitis. The claim will be reviewed under a direct theory and possibly under new regulations for toxic exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of chronic sinusitis was dismissed. The Veteran's initial rating for eczema with hand warts and psoriasis was granted at a 60 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted. The claims for service connection for sinusitis, dental trauma with well restored porcelain fused to metal restorations on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors, and a neck condition are remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic frontal sinusitis, and migraine headaches, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since April 24, 2014. The Board found that the combination of these conditions has prevented the Veteran from maintaining such employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for traumatic brain injury, right shoulder disability, back disability, and sinusitis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for service-connected recurrent maxillary sinusitis with headaches, effective prior to January 4, 2022. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before a decision was made, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's effective date for basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied as there was no permanent and total service-connected disability prior to March 1, 1990.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training with the Florida Air National Guard. The issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, sinus disability (including sinusitis), left ankle disability, and fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome) are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis under the PACT Act of 2022, asthma, bilateral knee disabilities, and TMJ dysfunction are all granted. The Veteran served in Afghanistan from May to November 2011, qualifying him for presumptive exposure to fine particulate matter from burn pits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient consideration of certain evidence, including STRs and VA treatment records. The claims are now pending for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis, finding that he does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis and that his symptoms are related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sarcoidosis, sinusitis, and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sinusitis, right knee disability, left elbow disability, and right hip disability due to incomplete opinions in prior decisions. Further development is needed to address whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tarsal tunnel syndrome of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of severe symptoms or complete paralysis.,The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, residuals of stroke, sarcoidosis, and migraines are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete opinions regarding service connection for sinusitis and headaches. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed again.

The Board has granted service connection for TMJ disorder, but remanded the issues of service connection for left foot bunion, sinusitis, OSA, headaches, and dizziness.

The Board has remanded the cases of obstructive sleep apnea and sinusitis due to insufficient examination opinions considering the Veteran's service treatment records, including his October 1970 treatment for insomnia.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but he receives a TDIU and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is also granted.