Sinusitis decisions — 2000

The veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated as zero percent disabling, and the Board denied a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded and have been denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Board Member at the RO.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and assistance, or based on permanent housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's appeal is about an increased rating for his service-connected psychological reaction, postoperative right maxillary sinusitis. The Board has directed the RO to conduct additional development of evidence and review the case under both old and revised rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected organic brain syndrome, residuals of a fracture of the left rib, residuals of a fracture of the inferior and bilateral left orbit zygoma, status post septorhinoplasty and sinusitis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis with headaches is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant an increase.

The veteran's hepatitis C and sinusitis claims are not well-grounded. The sinusitis claim is granted with a 30% evaluation, effective September 20, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for hypertension with sporadic premature ventricular contractions. The issues of low back disability, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis with enlarged turbinates, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were also addressed but are pending further development.

The Board has found that the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and sinus disorder are well grounded. The case is now being remanded to determine if peptic ulcer disease had its onset during or within one year following service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected sinusitis and nasal septal deformity are remanded due to incomplete medical records. Further examination is required to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected rhinitis and found that his asthma warranted only a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board denied higher initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected conditions, including residuals of a fracture of the right foot and calcaneal spurs on both heels.

The veteran's claims for service connection on a direct basis or due to an undiagnosed illness were denied as there is no competent medical evidence establishing the existence of any claimed conditions. The claim for increased rating for tension headaches was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic low back disability, neck injury, right epididymitis, hypertension with chest pain, dental condition secondary to sinusitis, and asthma secondary to sinusitis are not well-grounded. The evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and active military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound due to disability was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for fibromyalgia and assigned a 10 percent disability rating for allergic rhinitis. The appeal is resolved in favor of the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and vasomotor rhinitis are not well grounded as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for right otitis media, but confirmed a 10 percent rating for sinusitis with epistaxis. The veteran's symptoms have fluctuated over time.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected low back strain, right forearm gunshot wound, and right ankle disorder was granted. The rating for the left ankle condition remains at 10 percent. Hallux valgus deformity of both feet is rated as 10 percent disabling.