Sinusitis decisions — 2024

The appeals seeking increased ratings for the lumbar spine, skin disease, bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic radulopathy are dismissed.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for OSA is granted. Service connection for OSA is now established.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for sinusitis is granted. Service connection for sinusitis is now established.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted prior to August 10, 2022. Service connection for hepatitis B and a respiratory disorder (claimed as respiratory insufficiency, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and sleep apnea) are denied. An initial rating higher than 60 percent for renal insufficiency is denied prior to March 5, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the entire period on appeal. As a result, the issues of extraschedular ratings for chronic sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome are dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and review due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's sinusitis and respiratory condition are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee disability, sleep apnea, sinusitis, CFS, and rhinitis due to insufficient evidence or need for further clarification.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral pes planus and chronic sinusitis. The TDIU and SMC issues are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea condition is aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis, deviated septum with rhinitis, and asthma. The case needs further development including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea and low back disability has been reopened, but the claims are still pending as new evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.,The Veteran's claim for chronic sinusitis is being remanded due to its potential secondary relationship with his sleep apnea.