Citation Nr: 21073424
Decision Date: 12/08/21	Archive Date: 12/08/21

DOCKET NO. 17-41 804
DATE: December 8, 2021

REMANDED

A compensable rating for chronic sinusitis.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) in October 2021. A copy of the transcript has been associated with the record.

At the October 2021 hearing, the Veteran testified that he frequently received treatment for chronic sinusitis at the Lackland Air Force Base and Wilford Hall Medical Facility. As these records are relevant to the claim and have not been associated with the claims file, remand is necessary for VA to obtain these records. 

Additionally, the Veteran has testified that he experiences discharge and headaches almost daily in connection with his sinusitis and reported this at the November 2018 VA examination. Despite noting these assertions, the VA examiner then found that the Veteran did not experience any non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches or discharge. 

This finding is at odds with the Veteran's statements, the available medical records which show occasional treatment for sinusitis symptoms, and the May 2014 VA examination which found that the Veteran had at least two non-incapacitating episodes with headaches and discharges. Thus, an updated examination must be obtained to assess the current status of the Veteran's chronic sinusitis. 

The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Identify and obtain any outstanding, pertinent, VA and private treatment records and associate them with the claims file. This should include any and all treatment received at that Lackland Air Force Base, and Wilford Hall Medical Facility.

2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the current status of his chronic sinusitis. The entire claims file should be made available to, and reviewed by, the examiner. Any indicated studies should be performed.  

 

 

L. HOWELL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	M. Yacoub, Counsel

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.