Citation Nr: 21065803 Decision Date: 10/27/21 Archive Date: 10/27/21 DOCKET NO. 12-28 664 DATE: October 27, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected allergic rhinitis with deviated septum is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from July 1969 to July 1970. This case is before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2010 rating decision by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In September 2013, the Veteran testified at a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). A transcript of the testimony is associated with the claims file. The Veteran was notified that the Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) who presided over the September 2013 hearing was no longer employed by the Board, and in October 2018 written correspondence he declined an additional Board hearing. The Board denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis with deviated septum in November 2018 and the Veteran appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals for Veteran's Claims (Court). In November 2020, there was a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR). Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for service - connected allergic rhinitis with deviated septum is remanded. The Veteran contends that he is entitled to a higher 30 percent rating because he suffers from allergic rhinitis with polyps. In September 2021 correspondence he asserted that the June 2021 sinus examination was inadequate because it was cursory due to the covid pandemic. Further, June 2021 X-ray imaging was insufficient evidence because it cannot detect soft tissue detail such as a nasal polyp as well as a CT Scan or MRI. In support of his position the Veteran submitted a May 2008 Sinus CT Scan by El Paso VA Medical Center which indicated that a nodular change in the Veteran's right maxillary sinus antrum was the result of a polyp or retention cyst. The Board notes that consistent with the April 2021 remand directive, the Veteran was afforded a VA examination in June 2021. The examiner stated that nasal polyps were not visible upon examination but indicated that they were unable to confirm whether the polyp(s) was/were still there without an MRI of the Veteran's sinuses. X-ray imaging of the sinuses was also conducted in June 2021.The X-rays suggested essentially unremarkable paranasal sinuses. However, the radiology report also stated that a better sinus evaluation would be obtained with sinus CT if indicated. An August 2021 addendum medical opinion noted the May 2008 CT Scan and stated that there was no other evidence found in files to support the claim of sinusitis with nasal polyps. In light of the June 2021 examiner's conclusion that an MRI is required in this instance, the Board finds that remand for an MRI of the Veteran's sinuses and an addendum medical opinion assessing the etiology of those polyps (if they are found to exist) is warranted. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for an in-person examination with an MRI of the sinuses performed. The examiner is then asked to provide an opinion with clear rationales to the following questions: (a.) Does the Veteran have nasal polyps? (b.) If the Veteran has nasal polyps, are they associated with his service connected allergic rhinitis disability? Why or why not? Jennifer White Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board J. Alexander The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.