Sinusitis decisions — 2024

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for discogenic right sciatic radicular pain (partial paralysis right sciatic) as it was granted in a prior rating decision. Service connection was established for other conditions, including chronic sinusitis, PTSD, and various musculoskeletal issues, all presumed related to Southwest Asia service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for sinusitis was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,For the period prior to February 14, 2022, the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, thus denying a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to her in-service treatment. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome due to a change in diagnosis from chronic fatigue syndrome to fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including sinusitis, rhinitis, a neck disability, and a right shoulder disability, caused his sleep apnea. The Board granted the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for chronic sinusitis and deviated nasal septum status post septoplasty with rhinitis, as there may be outstanding medical records from Pensacola Naval Hospital that have not been considered.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% disability rating for rhinitis, effective January 18, 2019. The reduction from a 10% to noncompensable rating was improper due to lack of sustained improvement in the condition under ordinary life conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as there is no current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis in his medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for congestion nasal blockage with throat drainage, ear blockage in canal, and sinusitis due to a failure to follow-up on scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, and hypertension have been dismissed as the AOJ has granted these conditions in full.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and sinusitis are remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing their secondary nature.

The Veteran's appeals regarding the effective date of service connection and the evaluation for sinusitis have been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and GERD. The Veteran's conditions were found to be not related to service.,Service connection was denied as the evidence did not show that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions worsened during service or were otherwise related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for chronic sinusitis, finding that there was no medical evidence showing the condition warranted such a rating prior to July 25, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, bilateral pes planus, Barlow syndrome, and sinusitis. Service connection was reopened based on new evidence received since the prior denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss (BHL) has been dismissed as he did not submit a proper supplemental claim to reopen the previously denied claim.,An initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's PTSD results in reduced reliability and productivity but does not manifest in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as service connected due to exposure to particulate matter during his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis were denied in an August 2022 rating decision. The Board found no CUE in this decision, as the facts at that time did not support a grant of service connection. Additionally, the earlier effective date claim was denied because new evidence received after one year from the initial denial is not eligible for retroactive consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis due to exposure to fine particulate matter during the Gulf War in Southwest Asia, effective August 5, 2021. The claim for service connection prior to this date is remanded as further examination may be needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran was exposed to burn pits during service, and his conditions are related to in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, right hand disability, left hand disability, and low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.