Sinusitis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are found to have begun during active service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's asthma with exertional dyspnea is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claims of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that there is a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sinusitis and hematuria due to a lack of VA examinations, which are necessary to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction and sinusitis have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction or sinusitis, nor has he been treated for these conditions.,The Veteran's claims for bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches with fatigue, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right shoulder disability, bilateral foot disability, and right knee disability have not been addressed in this decision.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation due to the need for higher level aid and attendance related to his traumatic brain injury.

The Board has determined that the current medical opinion is inadequate and requires further examination to determine if any of the identified respiratory disorders are related to or had its onset in service, and whether they were caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

Service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted based on presumptive exposure to fine particulate matter, effective August 5, 2021. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis based on exposure to fine particulate matter during active duty in Iraq, effective August 5, 2021. Service connection for sinusitis is denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for cervical spine, low back, left knee, sinusitis, and insomnia disabilities due to new and relevant evidence. The appeals are remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for a 30 percent rating for sinusitis is granted with an effective date of February 12, 2016.

The Veteran's sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss claims were denied, while his service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for various conditions and revisions to evaluations. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sinusitis on a direct basis due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's exposure to toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) and/or hazardous chemicals/sand/dust storms is not considered in the current medical opinion, which may affect the determination of whether his chronic sinusitis had onset during service or was caused by such exposures.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. A new VA examination will be scheduled to determine the current severity of his allergic rhinitis, including without medication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnea due to a failure to provide a VA examination addressing the Veteran's lay contentions.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis and denied the claims for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, low back disorder, left lower extremity numbness, right lower extremity numbness, left upper extremity numbness, right upper extremity numbness, and tension headaches.

Service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis due to presumed exposure to fine particulate matter in the Southwest Asia theatre during the Persian Gulf War is granted from August 5, 2021. The portion of the period on appeal prior to August 5, 2021, is addressed in the REMAND section.