Sinusitis decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disorder, sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, and throat disorder due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or causal connection to service.,There is no evidence that the Veteran sustained or developed chronic disorders as a result of his in-service bee sting reaction or exposure to environmental hazards.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis with headaches is rated at a 10% disability level since January 30, 2020. The Board found the evidence in approximate balance regarding whether there were one or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Board has decided that a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected chronic sinusitis prior to April 26, 2021 is denied. The case is being remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's employment status and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for cataracts has been dismissed. Service connection for hemorrhoids, PTSD, and various other disabilities have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were of sufficient severity to have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to his death, leading to a TDIU being granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for sinusitis and GERD and cirrhosis of the liver due to insufficient evidence or further clarification from the Veteran. The current ratings are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis-related lung disease, broke nose residuals, and bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for sinusitis and/or rhinitis as secondary to his service-connected broken nose and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder bursitis, right ankle disability, low back disability, cervical spine disability, right hamstring tear, right metatarsal disability, sinusitis, and allergies with chronic hoarseness due to incomplete VA nexus opinion and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and PTSD. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as related to active service. The remaining issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, left foot hallux valgus, and right foot hallux valgus. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and TDIU prior to January 3, 2020 are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's upper respiratory disability, including sinusitis and rhinitis, likely had its onset during his active duty service from October 2011 to November 2012. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted on a direct basis.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he passed away during their pendency.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis is remanded due to the need for a more current examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, authorization of non-VA treatment records, and a more contemporaneous examination for his fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic sinusitis has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 50% is already in effect since August 27, 2014.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and rhinitis due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's sinus and allergic conditions. The issues include service connection for these conditions and whether they are aggravated by herbicide exposure in Vietnam or asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis with nosebleeds, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service. Service connection was denied for a neurological disorder claimed as loss of smell and taste due to lack of evidence of such a condition at any point during or prior to the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, heart disability, prostatitis, left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The reasons given were that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's employment history prior to April 19, 2019. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA Form 21-8940 and W-2 forms from the Veteran, as well as completed VA Form 21-4192s from any employers listed on the form. Additionally, the AOJ must request verification of the Veteran's personal income during the appeal period.