Sinusitis decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional evidence regarding service connection for upper respiratory condition, including secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted service connection. The cervical spine disability remains at a 20% rating, but the lumbar spine disability receives a 40% rating beginning January 17, 2020. No other conditions receive initial ratings or SMC determinations.

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

The Veteran's hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and right Achilles tendonitis have been granted service connection. However, the claim for service connection of a low back disability is remanded.,Service connection has not been established for sinusitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sinusitis and his military service, as well as its secondary effects on other service-connected disabilities. The VA will need to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis resulted in more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting since January 15, 2015. As a result, the Veteran is now eligible for a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted a 30 percent rating. The low back disability is granted a 20 percent rating effective November 9, 2017; a 40 percent rating effective January 13, 2020; and denied for ratings in excess of these levels.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the records regarding when certain claims were filed and addressed. The Veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for service connection awards, but there are discrepancies in the documentation.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for burn scars and service connection for non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis and a left hand condition, to include arthritis and ulnar neuropathy. The Board has found that remand is necessary due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran's claims are currently pending as the VA examinations did not provide sufficient information on whether his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for chronic sinusitis with headaches from January 30, 2020. The issue of entitlement to a higher disability rating remains pending and is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and updated VA treatment records, private examinations, lay statements, and articles being added to the claims file. The RO must consider this additional evidence in the first instance.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis is rated at 50 percent effective March 4, 2021. The evaluation was granted for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and remanded the issues of service connection for sinusitis, increased rating for allergic rhinitis, and TDIU.

Service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted due to burn pit exposure. Service connection for compression neuralgia of the right foot/ankle is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, DDD of the lumbar spine, IVDS, and various knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 9, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claim for an initial compensable rating for status-post septoplasty/nasal polyp removal due to incomplete compliance with previous directives and need for additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's current headache disability is granted as service-connected. The issue of service connection for sinusitis, to include allergic rhinitis and deviated septum, is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and diabetes mellitus based on the presumption of exposure to Gulf War conditions. Service connection was denied for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), esophageal stricture, a chronic skin disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and nephrolithiasis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, right shoulder dislocation, tinnitus, and sinusitis due to new evidence received since the last denial of these conditions. The Veteran's mental condition is also being examined again as his symptoms have worsened.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted service connection under the PACT Act, effective from his qualifying Southwest Asia service.,Service connection for bilateral shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation is granted, but an earlier effective date than May 21, 2015 is denied. The claim was filed in August 1991.