Sinusitis Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are denied, except for the grant of service connection for pes planus in the left foot. The remaining issues have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for an upper sacral spine disorder with bilateral neural foraminal stenosis and denied evaluations in excess of 40 percent for a lumbar spine disorder, separate evaluations for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and separate evaluations for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's sinusitis was also denied as having an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the November 1975 rating decision denying service connection for a back injury, head injuries (now claimed as headaches), and sinusitis was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The evidence did not show permanent aggravation of these conditions during military service.

The Veteran's sinus disability, diagnosed as allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, is granted. The right knee and left knee disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion. The obstructive sleep apnea claim remains pending.

The Veteran's sinusitis, bronchitis, and sleep apnea were granted service connection. The right shoulder disorder and chronic inner ear infection are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not shown in service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding aggravation during service.,Service connection for tinnitus is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss claim.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is remanded because his VA examiner did not address whether it was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities or if it had its clinical onset during service.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis is also remanded due to lack of a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding aggravation during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation regarding his entitlement to higher levels of SMC and a rating increase for his residual left knee injury. The Board found that he does not meet the legal criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) based on the lack of anatomical loss or use in his feet, hands, or eyes.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis, as well as an increased rating for PTSD. The issue of a higher rating for the deviated nasal septum was also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities due to a lack of recent examinations. The Veteran needs to undergo VA examinations for his sleep apnea, psychiatric symptoms, bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, GERD, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and additional evidence is needed to determine if he requires aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and testicular cancer residuals were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain with disc disease and traumatic arthritis, as well as claims for service connection for various conditions, were denied. The Veteran was also denied a temporary total evaluation for his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder to include sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were not incurred in service nor are they otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis and vertigo have been granted initial disability ratings of 10% and 30%, respectively, effective October 4, 2010. The rating for vertigo was increased to 30% from November 28, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection based on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on October 8, 2014 are denied because the treatment was not authorized and did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis and a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand several claims related to the Veteran's exposure to mustard gas, herbicide agents, and/or other chemicals and/or toxins. The claims for prostate cancer, respiratory disorder (COPD), sleep apnea, hypertension, sinusitis, nerve condition, and headaches are being reviewed due to possible exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for frontal sinusitis was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including sleep apnea, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion.