Sinusitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's GERD, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, migraine headaches, back disability, and sleep apnea are all granted. The claims for service connection for migraine headaches, a back disability, and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings of various conditions, including tinnitus, OSA, rhinitis, and migraine headaches. Service connection was granted for pancreatic cancer presumptively related to burn pit exposure under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and increased ratings were granted. Service connection was established for right lower sciatic radiculopathy, but not for other conditions due to lack of evidence supporting exposure to toxic substances. Increased ratings were denied for right ear hearing loss, left knee anterior cruciate ligament partial tear, left knee instability, right fibula fracture (claimed as right ankle condition), and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including hypertension, PTSD with cognitive disorder, sinusitis, knee disorders, allergic rhinitis, cerebral infarction residuals secondary to moyamoya disease, and right upper extremity disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that her service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and digestive system disability (IBS) are granted service connection. Service connection for sinusitis is denied, and the Veteran's tinea versicolor rating is remanded due to lack of examination addressing flare-ups.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claim of entitlement to service connection for sinusitis, and the Board dismissed the case.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-operative residuals of sinusitis is denied as the evidence does not show one or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% and his sinusitis is granted a TDIU. The rating for sinusitis remains at 30%. The issues of increased ratings for right shoulder, ankle, and pes planus have been remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, hernia condition, right ankle and leg disabilities, sinusitis, cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, chronic heart disease, chronic heart failure, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The appeals were all denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and are dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's chondromalacia of the patella of the right knee has been rated at 10 percent, reflecting painful motion and limitation in flexion.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis was dismissed.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted due to the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during his service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding various conditions and ratings, as the Veteran requested to withdraw all claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is rated at 30 percent, effective throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma have been remanded due to insufficient examination reports. The claims are reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis is denied, and the case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of asthma.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals, including those related to migraines, IBS, and sinusitis/Allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis are remanded due to outstanding relevant treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rhinitis and sinusitis may be related to his service, specifically his exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. However, due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error, the Board is remanding the case for an additional VA examination with medical opinion based on full consideration of the Veteran's documented medical history and assertions.