Sinusitis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for septal perforation and chronic sinusitis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for septal perforation, as there was no loss of part of one ala or other obvious disfigurement. For chronic sinusitis, while the Veteran reported episodes of pain, headaches, and discharge, these did not meet the definition of incapacitating episodes required for a higher 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of sinusitis, rhinitis, and bilateral degenerative arthritis of the knees due to insufficient evidence addressing whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted effective dates of December 16, 2014 for both the TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed sinusitis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for sinusitis, which he believes is related to his military service.

The Veteran's nosebleeds, sinusitis, tinea corporis, and lower back condition are remanded for further examination and opinion. The AOJ will consider all relevant evidence of record during the readjudication process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, lordotic thoracolumbar spine with osteoarthritis and scoliosis, and sinusitis to allow for a new VA examination. The examiner will be asked to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service or due to a service-connected disability.

The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed. The Veteran's maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis are granted a 30% rating, but allergic rhinitis remains denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has also remanded for further examinations and opinions regarding the other claimed conditions.

The Veteran's tension type headaches are granted a 50% rating. The left shoulder instability with history of rotator cuff is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. A noncompensable rating is granted for left shoulder scars. The low back disability, degenerative arthritis with IVDS, and radiculopathy in both lower extremities are all denied. Ratings in excess of 20% for left knee strain, right knee strain, hemorrhoids, and maxillary sinusitis are also denied. Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic allergies and sinusitis has been granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective August 5, 2021. Attorney fees are also awarded based on the appellant's representation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for left ankle injury, low back injury, and sinusitis. The Board has dismissed these issues as the appeal is withdrawn.

The Board has decided to remand all issues on appeal due to the need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being returned for further review.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is rated at 30 percent for the periods from October 21, 2018, to March 23, 2020, and from March 23, 2020, to February 8, 2022. The appeal is denied for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to March 23, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Benzene during service and the etiology of his leukemia. The agency will need to inquire about the Veteran's military occupational specialty as a mechanic and obtain a new medical opinion.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis is granted.,Service connection for migraine headaches, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated as 50 percent disabling for the entire appeal period, characterized by headaches, pain, and tenderness of affected sinuses, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.

The Veteran's appeals for reopening service connection claims based on new evidence were dismissed due to a procedural error in the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) framework. The appeal regarding service connection was also dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and proper notification procedures. The Board acknowledges that chronic sinusitis may be subject to presumptive service connection associated with burn pits, but further development is required.

The Veteran's left foot degenerative arthritis is granted service connection. The issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis are remanded due to inadequate VA nexus opinions.