Sinusitis Board decisions

The Veteran's chronic maxillary sinusitis, which required two surgeries and resulted in frequent episodes of headaches, pain, and discharge, has been rated at 50% since April 18, 2016 to September 10, 2017.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining VA records from the Birmingham VAMC and determining whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, low back condition, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for a cervical spine disability.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for sinusitis, chronic laryngitis, and sleep apnea due to a lack of VA examinations addressing these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic sinusitis, thyroid carcinoma, muscle cramps, arm cramps to the left and right upper extremities, and leg cramps to the left and right lower extremity were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for hepatitis C was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability has been reopened, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. The claims for left knee and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further examination and opinion. Service connection for the claimed conditions is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral hand disability is denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.,The Veteran's claim for a low back disability is denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease, and the absence of any chronic low back disability since service.,The Veteran's claim for chronic sinusitis is denied because there is no evidence of a chronic disorder during service or related to an in-service event.,The Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea (claimed as PTSD) is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the onset and relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has denied service connection for a right little finger disability and remanded the claims of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, allergic rhinitis, foot fungus (likely athlete's foot), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine (low back) disability, and left shoulder rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss due to a lack of evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss to noise exposure in service.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and sinusitis as additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and for service connection for a left knee disorder due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's GERD developed during service and is granted service connection.,Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,For the lumbar spine disability, a higher rating than 10 percent is not warranted due to lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis. For left lower extremity sciatica (left lower extremity radiculopathy), a higher rating than 10 percent is also not warranted as there is no moderate, moderately severe, or severe incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's right and left pes planus and hallux valgus are denied service connection. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the remaining claims on appeal can be decided. The Veteran's psychiatric disability may be related to his active service, and a VA examination should be scheduled for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sinus problems, claimed as sinusitis, rhinitis, and sleep apnea due to conflicting evidence regarding diagnoses and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 3, 2013. The Board has granted TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has determined that further development is needed in the form of VA examinations and additional evidence for the claims of service connection for sinusitis, increased evaluation for migraine headaches, and earlier effective date for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sinusitis is related to his military service. The claim will be returned for another addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine, left shoulder, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, lymphatic cancer of the neck, oropharyngeal or tonsil cancer, and hypertension are all remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also required to undergo a new VA examination to evaluate his acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and insomnia).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation for the claimed conditions.