Sinusitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was denied in March 2008, but granted on March 5, 2016. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not warranted and denied the request. Service connection for sinusitis was granted based on qualifying service in the Southwest Theatre of Operations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment for the appeal period prior to December 2, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus Type II, severe sinus problems, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, right foot injury, and right hip injury due to insufficient development and lack of informed decision.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not been reassessed in over seven years, and he testified that his tinnitus is also a problem. Therefore, another VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and whether it causes or aggravates his tinnitus.,The Veteran contends that his GERD warrants a higher rating than 10 percent. The most recent examination was in December 2014, which does not account for his current symptoms such as vomiting and esophageal spasm. Another VA examination is needed to reassess the severity of his GERD.,The Veteran contends that he has esophageal spasm associated with his GERD. The most recent examination noted no esophageal spasm at all, but a private record from 2015 diagnosed him with OSA. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether the esophageal spasm is related to his GERD or instead attributable to another condition.,The Veteran contends that he has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to loud snoring during service. The most recent STRs do not indicate any symptoms of OSA, and a private record from 2015 diagnosed him with OSA. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether his OSA started in service or is related to another condition.,The Veteran contends that he has congestion, including asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis, which began during service. The most recent STRs do not indicate any symptoms of these conditions, but a private record from 2014 diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether his current condition is related to service or another condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 18, 2009 due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence showed that the Veteran was employed full-time as a police officer until he was medically retired in May or October 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's symptoms have been noted since service and continue today.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his previously denied claims. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disorder, headaches including migraines with aura, and neurological disorder of the left arm are all found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee strain, DJD (arthritis) of the cervical spine with IVDS, and radiculopathy with CTS of the right upper extremity.,The Veteran's heart disorder is also found to be secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of allergic rhinitis, headaches, and sinusitis were denied as there was no clear and unmistakable error in the prior rating decisions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected sinusitis, as there are conflicting reports on whether he has incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes with headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic sinusitis, back disability, and right shoulder disability due to outstanding treatment records and the need for current VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis began during his active military service and have persisted since separation. The evidence supports this finding, including VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for sinusitis, including on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, and thyroid disability are all granted as service-connected due to exposure to jet fuel during active duty. The claims for chronic bronchitis, hypertension, and back disability are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for diverticulosis and remanded other issues related to sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, GERD, an acquired psychiatric disability, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Board has decided that the issue of service connection for sinusitis should be remanded to allow the RO to consider all available evidence, including VA and private treatment records, military personnel records, and VA examination reports.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as service connected. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disability, respiratory disorder, sleep disorder, and low back disability are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and lead, which could affect his service connection for respiratory disorders and blood disorder.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's foot disabilities are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's hearing loss and dizziness claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and additional records.