Sinusitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection of allergies and sinusitis have been reopened, and his right ankle LCL sprain has been granted. His MDD rating has been increased to 70 percent, effective from August 8, 2013.

The Veteran's initial rating for sinusitis is being remanded due to the failure to notify her of a scheduled VA examination and issues with communication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a nasal condition, left knee degenerative joint disease, and related disabilities due to additional development of records and medical opinions.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 16, 2017 for a 70 percent rating for PTSD and service connection for sinusitis on a presumptive basis due to exposure in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 50% from February 5, 1998 to February 7, 2018. From February 7, 2018 onwards, the Veteran seeks a higher rating for his sinusitis but was denied.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder and somatic symptom disorder, right shoulder impingement syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome L4-L5, left hip trochanteric pain syndrome, iliopsoas bursitis limitation of flexion, right hip trochanteric pain syndrome, iliopsoas bursitis, limitation of flexion, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right wrist sprain. The Veteran's bilateral eye condition, eczema, left foot ring-toe condition, and sinusitis have also been dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his combined rating of service-connected disabilities has been at least 100 percent throughout the appeal period, and he was not found to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for asthma has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted in this regard, but the claims for psychiatric condition and respiratory condition (including asthma and allergic rhinitis) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for additional SMC on account of the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it was caused by in-service exposure to hazardous noise.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing whether the conditions are related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions, and new evaluations are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for restrictive lung disease, obstructive lung disease, and sinusitis due to potential issues with medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims will be further developed before being readjudicated.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for sinusitis, pansinusitis. The Veteran's scar on the right side of the neck and swollen lymph nodes are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted service connection as it is presumed to have been caused by his exposure to fine, particulate matter during service in the Persian Gulf. The remaining issues are remanded for further examination and review.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for acid reflux and a respiratory condition, including sinusitis and rhinitis, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted presumptive service connection for a sinus disorder, diagnosed as rhinitis and sinusitis. The right shoulder and left shoulder disorders are remanded for further development. Service connection for the sinus disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for allergic rhinosinusitis was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for a heart condition and chronic fatigue syndrome were both denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis with headaches and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.