The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for sinusitis is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, effective September 16, 2021, is granted. The case is remanded for further consideration of the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for sinusitis as there were no incapacitating episodes in the past year and the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating under DC 6513. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, including left knee total arthroplasty rated at 60 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- sinusitis, left knee total arthroplasty, right lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, left upper radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spinal fusion, right upper radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spinal fusion, left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2024
- Citation
- A24024219
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A24024219.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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