Sinusitis decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral flat feet. The remaining issues of service connection for bilateral foot paresthesias, sinusitis, bilateral wrist disability (CTS), and residuals of right ovarian mass are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of those related to right hip disorder, left hip disorder, and left knee disorder. The headaches are considered a chronic disease under presumptive provisions due to their presence during active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions. Additional VA medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and a TDIU, which were previously pending at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were denied as the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, which were necessary to evaluate her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was denied as there is no current diagnosis of a right ear hearing loss disability.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was granted as it began during active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment since April 11, 2012. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease is granted, and the claims for sinusitis, cervical spine radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle arthritis are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating for allergic rhinitis was denied, as the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating. Service connection for chronic recurrent epistaxis was granted as secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea. The case is remanded for further evaluation of her left knee disability and respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral leg disability, neck disability, lung condition, and chronic sinusitis due to incomplete development of records. The VA must obtain updated treatment records and VistA Imaging records, provide addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's disabilities, and issue an SSOC addressing the additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his claims, including a new VA examination for his sinus condition and headaches. The claim for PTSD rating increase and individual unemployability are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, headaches, plantar fasciitis, low back disability, hemorrhoids, and erectile dysfunction. The issues include determining whether these conditions are related to military service or if they have been aggravated by other conditions.,The Board also remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, migraine headaches, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left knee instability, left knee degenerative arthritis status post patella femoral ligament repair, right knee disability, sinusitis, rhinitis, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a presumptive condition due to Agent Orange exposure. The claims for chronic sinusitis, skin disability, sleep apnea, and hiatal hernia are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 5, 2019 for the 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's appeal also includes a claim for higher ratings for sinusitis and associated headaches, which is remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's recurrent and chronic sinus issues are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for sleep apnea, including whether it is related to asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and/or a left ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board denies entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.