Sinusitis decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for service-connected sinusitis, right and left knee instability. The Veteran's sinusitis is rated as 30 percent prior to September 23, 2020, but not higher. His right and left knee instability are both denied as they do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's tension headaches and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have not been productive of characteristic prostrating attacks or other symptoms warranting higher ratings.,Service connection for asthma, respiratory insufficiency (COPD), sinusitis, neck disability, and muscle and joint pain has not been established.

The Board has remanded the claims for sinusitis and other respiratory disorders due to a lack of VA examination, and will provide updated treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for sinusitis was granted at a 50 percent rating effective July 30, 2019. The earlier effective dates for service connection were granted for anxiety disorder and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder). The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a laceration on the 4th digit of the left hand, chronic sinusitis, headaches, and dizziness. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, urinary incontinence, sinusitis, left hip arthritis, and right hip arthritis. The reasons provided include lack of evidence linking the current disabilities to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active duty service and has continued to the present. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claims for posttraumatic osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and back strain have been denied as there is no current disability. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.,The Veteran's chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been granted as presumptively related to exposure to burn pits during active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial evaluation for chronic sinusitis is denied due to the lack of evidence of incapacitating episodes.,PTSD service connection is denied as there is no current diagnosis and insufficient medical evidence linking PTSD to service.

The Board has dismissed all appeals, including those for higher disability ratings and service connection claims, due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for sinusitis from July 16, 2014. The case is remanded for further examination and rating of the Veteran's radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted under the PACT Act. The right foot disability and varicocele of the left testicle issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection for allergic rhinitis (sinusitis) is granted. The Veteran's residual left foot scar, status post Morton's neuroma excision, and residual left palm scars, status post laceration and surgery, are rated at a single initial 20 percent rating from November 1, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and an upper respiratory disability due to incomplete medical opinions, lack of VA treatment records, and potential gaps in documented medical history. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to procedural issues and will need to provide an SOC for the service connection claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis, finding that the nasal congestion associated with his sinusitis was a contributing factor in causing his current obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's current sinusitis and headaches are related to her service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for asthma and sinusitis prior to August 10, 2022 due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset or relationship to active duty.