Sinusitis Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with intravertebral disc syndrome, left and right knee disabilities as secondary to a back disability, migraines as secondary to allergic rhinitis, and asthma. The initial rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis was denied.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of December 27, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for sinusitis and rhinitis were remanded.

The Board remands all service connection claims for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, skin condition, and ED.

The Board granted service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that the Veteran has current diagnoses of both conditions with symptoms present since military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for sinusitis as there was no evidence of one or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, as there was no evidence of polyps or obstruction of greater than 50 percent of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Veteran is eligible for payment of attorney fees from benefits resulting from the December 2023 grant of past-due benefits.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral toe deformities and a sinus disorder, to include allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as further development is needed.

The appeal for service connection for allergies, sinusitis, and posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed due to a concurrent election. The appeal for right lower extremity shin splints was denied.

The Board denied increased ratings for generalized seizure disorder, chronic sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and scars, but granted increased ratings of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease in the left and right ankles.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of August 5, 2021, for the grant of service connection for chronic sinusitis with sinus cysts and allergic rhinitis with deviated nasal septum based on a presumption due to exposure to fine, particulate matter during service in Southwest Asia.

The Board denied a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis as the evidence did not show greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on either side.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including non-allergic rhinitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, and remanded several other claims for further development.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and denied claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, and increased ratings for depression. The decision also remanded the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back, knee, and foot conditions, prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, which is presumed to be related to the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during her active service in Kuwait.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis, as the Veteran's condition is manifested by symptoms that more closely approximate a greater than fifty percent obstruction of both nasal passages or complete obstruction of one nasal passage.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis as the evidence did not support a greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Board granted an initial 50 percent rating for vestibular migraines and a 30 percent rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome, but denied a compensable rating for rhinitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis, as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.