Sinusitis decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a failure to provide VA examinations and adequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left foot pes planus, rhinitis, and sinusitis is granted. The restoration of a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and lumbar foraminal stenosis since October 1, 2021 is also granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error and obtain addendum opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (particularly chronic sinusitis with headaches and allergic rhinitis) and his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for allergic rhinitis based on a theory other than the PACT Act was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw her appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis, finding that there is no current diagnosis of sinusitis during the applicable evidentiary window.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of or treatment for the condition.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied due to lack of evidence of a penile deformity.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied because there is no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction or polyps in the nasal passages.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 50% but not higher, with symptoms meeting criteria for occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to make a fully reasoned determination on the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to his service-connected congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, sinusitis, and rhinitis. The case is being remanded to obtain an adequate medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's OSA, including aggravation by a service-connected disability and obesity as an 'intermediate step.'

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of aggravation or secondary service connection, and that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness for allergic rhinitis and appendectomy residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis on a direct basis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's sinusitis had onset in service. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and headaches as secondary to tinnitus. The conditions are presumed related to the Veteran's exposure to cold weather during his active duty in Germany.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral chronic knee pain, chronic sinusitis, and bilateral chronic plantar fasciitis fibromatosis. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions or their relationship to service.

The Board denied a higher initial disability rating for the service-connected sinusitis from August 17, 2021 because there were no incapacitating or non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sinusitis and rhinitis for further examination as the previous VA medical opinion is inadequate.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns raised by a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) regarding the adequacy of etiology opinions. The appeal is now in remand status and new evidence must be obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic sinusitis and headaches as there is no current disability found.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis has been granted a 30% evaluation, effective from May 27, 2020. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have worsened and now meet the criteria for a 30% rating.

The Board has denied service connection for dermatophytosis and remanded the issue of chronic sinusitis due to potential exposure during service. The Veteran is not currently diagnosed with either condition, but there are indications that he may have them.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, a chronic thoracolumbar spine disability, and a chronic cervical spine disability. The Veteran's symptoms began during his active service and have persisted since.

The Veteran's service connection for allergic rhinitis and asthma has been granted based on the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. Service connection is also granted for these conditions as presumptively related to exposure to burn pits during active duty.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis was denied due to a lack of current diagnosis.