Sinusitis decisions — 2024

The Board has found new and relevant evidence to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for right shoulder condition, skin blisters disability, headaches disability, sleep apnea disability, and sinusitis. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board denied a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis with epistaxis as the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for shortness of breath was dismissed due to an impermissible concurrent election in the November 2022 VA Form 10182.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for compensable ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for sinusitis, to include consideration of the propriety of the reduction in the rating from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective October 1, 2021, is denied.,The Veteran's appeals for evaluations for left knee osteoarthritis (limitation of extension) and instability are remanded due to insufficient evidence at the time of the July 2021 rating decision.,The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to September 2, 2020, and a compensable evaluation from September 2, 2020, for right knee osteoarthritis, s/p meniscectomy (instability) is remanded due to insufficient evidence at the time of the July 2021 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for non-allergic rhinitis and service connection for sinusitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disability or causal relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected residuals of traumatic deviated septum with rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance regarding this claim.

The Veteran's chronic nasal condition including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is granted as service connected. The skin rash claim is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nasal disability, including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her VA treatment records from 1970 through 1985. The Board also requests an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician to address whether these disabilities are at least as likely as not directly related to her service.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for sinusitis as there was a claims processing defect and the benefit has since been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sinusitis. The claim will be reconsidered with a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis was granted, but a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea has been established. However, the Veteran's skin disability remains at 10 percent and needs further evaluation.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 23, 2014 for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Veteran's earlier claim was reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and will obtain an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, which is presumed to be related to service.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to a withdrawal by the Veteran. The claims of service connection for high blood pressure and sinusitis are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal of his service connection claim for allergic rhinitis because it was filed concurrently with a higher-level review, which is not allowed.

The claim for service connection for rhinitis has been granted and rendered moot. The claim for service connection for sinusitis due to exposure to burn pits in Iraq is remanded.

The Veteran's disability rating for allergic rhinitis was restored to 10 percent, and he was granted an initial 30 percent disability rating for chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis, bilateral heel spurs, and right Achilles enthesopathy are being remanded for further evaluation.,A compensable rating is also being remanded for the Veteran's acid reflux.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for new examination opinions. The claims will be reconsidered with the additional evidence.