Sinusitis decisions — 2022

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied service connection for this condition. The back disability and bilateral knee disability are remanded due to incomplete records, and the acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that he was engaged in substantially gainful employment and did not meet the schedular requirements for consideration of a TDIU.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding his reported stressor and lack of verification, as well as other issues related to his back, lungs, hands, and respiratory system. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for release of medical records from certain providers and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has granted increased disability evaluations for sinusitis and PTSD, both to a maximum of 50 percent prior to December 13, 2021. Service connection was also granted for rhinitis but denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, left ankle disability, and migraines. The cases are being remanded to obtain medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's sinusitis symptoms have been rated at 30 percent since March 22, 2017. Prior to this date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination regarding service connection for a sinus condition. The Veteran's claim is being returned for further evaluation and an updated medical opinion.

A disability rating of 70 percent, and no higher, for Generalized Anxiety Disorder is granted since May 24, 2016.,A 30 percent disability rating, and no higher, for Allergic Rhinitis to include sinusitis is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for sinusitis prior to February 11, 2020 and from February 11, 2020 to July 21, 2021 is denied as the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's costochondritis was rated at 30 percent since November 13, 2013.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be at least as likely as not due to his service-connected chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was granted a 100% rating prior to April 10, 2017. The TDIU issue is moot due to the SMC grant for the entire appeal period. SMC was granted prior to April 10, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure and claimed ionizing radiation exposure. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD, acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, mild emphysema of the lungs, moderate chronic interstitial fibrosis of the lungs, asthma, and lung granulomas, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current disabilities and service or exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's claims for chronic axillary sinusitis, erosive esophagitis, and stomach cancer are remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's opinions regarding exposure to D1-2 Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DOP) and service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional examinations and records, as the Veteran's conditions have worsened since her last VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's increased evaluation claims related to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, right shoulder disability, sinusitis, and lumbar spine disability. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

Your appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as he passed away before a final decision could be made.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and headache condition based on the presumption of exposure to fine particulate matter in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial disability rating for alopecia has been withdrawn and is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for chronic sinusitis and chronic rhinitis.