Sinusitis decisions — 2026

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including a right foot disability. The Board grants SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that these conditions began during active service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for adjudication purposes, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions, hypertension, sinusitis, and rhinitis. The Board is therefore remanding these issues to allow for further development.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, while right ear hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea are denied.,Tinnitus has been granted as service-connected, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis have also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, vertigo, hearing loss, sinusitis, acid reflux, right knee condition, and left knee condition have all been denied. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions during or as a result of military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for parkinsonism and diabetes mellitus type II due to a lack of VA examinations. The other claims are denied as there is no current diagnosis of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia are remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for chronic sinusitis has been dismissed because the Veteran concurrently requested Higher-Level Review, which is not allowed.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, hypertension, maxillary sinusitis, tension headaches, and PTSD with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are all granted. The left ankle condition is remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left leg sciatica, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of service connection for degenerative cervical disease (neck disability), right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to neck disability, lumbar spine L4/5 degenerative disc disease (back disability), and sinusitis are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Meniere's disease and sinusitis have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current Meniere's disease is related to his in-service symptoms, including vertigo, which are consistent with the diagnosis of Meniere's disease. For sinusitis, the Board determined it was secondary to his already service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Board is unable to make a determination on these issues as more information is required.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis as the Veteran does not have a current disability of sinusitis at any time proximate to his August 2023 claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, right upper extremity PN, left upper extremity PN, neck disability, and back disability have all been denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for neck disability has also been denied.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis with headaches has been granted an initial maximum rating of 50 percent, effective March 18, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for her left knee disability was dismissed. A temporary total disability rating for the service-connected left knee disability following surgery is granted, subject to laws and regulations governing payment of monetary awards. The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches are rated at 30 percent. Her initial compensable rating for left knee scars is denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic sinusitis, LLER, RLER, and allergic rhinitis are denied. The VA has remanded the claims of service connection for migraine headaches and asthma.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires a VA examination for the Veteran's sleep apnea disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of cervical spine disability and left hip disability. Migraine headaches are secondary to service-connected Meniere's disease.