Citation Nr: 22009727
Decision Date: 02/17/22	Archive Date: 02/17/22

DOCKET NO. 18-22 228
DATE: February 17, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected traumatic deviated nasal septum with chronic rhinitis is remanded.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected chronic sinusitis is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from July 1974 to July 1977 and from September 1978 to June 1986.  In February 2022, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Board of Veteran's Appeals (Board) via videoconference.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected traumatic deviated nasal septum with chronic rhinitis and entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected chronic sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran, as to the disabilities on appeal, was last examined by VA in February 2017, five years prior.  During his February 2022 Board hearing, he asserted that his disabilities have worsened since his last VA examinations.  On remand, the RO should afford the Veteran a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected traumatic deviated nasal septum with chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.

Also, the most recent VA treatment records available for Board review are dated in March 2018; on remand, the RO should obtain the Veteran's updated VA treatment records.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records for the period from March 2018 to the present.

2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his:  (1) service-connected traumatic deviated nasal septum with chronic rhinitis; and (2) service-connected chronic sinusitis.  The examiner should provide a full description of each disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran's disabilities under all applicable rating criteria.  

 

 

P.M. DILORENZO

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Department of Veterans Affairs

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.