Service connection for sinusitis, post traumatic headaches, sleep apnea with associated asthma and COPD, and TBI residuals is denied.,An effective date prior to January 21, 2015, for the grant of service connection for post traumatic headaches, sleep apnea with associated asthma and COPD, and TBI residuals is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis or respiratory disorder other than his service-connected sleep apnea, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Board finds that the most probative evidence pertaining to the existence of a current diagnosis of sinusitis consists of respiratory and sinus examination reports dated August 2015, October 2017, and May 2018.
- Claimed conditions
- Sinusitis, Post Traumatic Headaches, Sleep Apnea with associated Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Residuals of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20027464
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20027464.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for sinusitis as of February 19, 2021, based on the number and duration of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, left knee condition, right knee condition, and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic laryngeal papillomatosis.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's sinusitis was rated as noncompensable for the period prior to December 9, 2024. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the severity of his symptoms and lack of incapacitating episodes.
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