Sinusitis decisions — 2000

The Board has granted service connection for a skin rash and gastrointestinal disorder, but denied the claims of entitlement to service connection for respiratory disorder and PTSD due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, arthritis of the thoracic spine, and arthritis of the lumbar spine. The veteran's sinusitis is rated at 20 percent due to frequent episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for Graves' disease and sinusitis with rhinitis, finding that her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's skin condition, stomach problems, migraine headaches, dysthymic disorder, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The joint pain is considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness as per the Persian Gulf War criteria. Residuals of a hysterectomy are also considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, myopia and amblyopia, and a back disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing bronchial asthma and sinusitis did not increase in severity during his active service, and thus denied reopening of the claims for service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic sinusitis/allergic rhinitis was granted, and his claims for service connection for residuals of neck and back injury as well as a left knee condition were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for allergies, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis are not well grounded because there is no competent medical evidence of current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected impingement syndrome of the left shoulder warrants a 20 percent rating, as it more nearly approximates limitation at shoulder level. The other issues have been resolved in favor of the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence, including VA outpatient treatment records. The issues of an increased rating for bronchial asthma and entitlement to TDIU will be reconsidered with all relevant evidence taken into account.

The Board denied service connection for a deviated nasal septum, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current sinus problems or deviated nasal septum to his inservice nose injury or sinus congestion. The right shoulder and shin splints issues were also addressed but not further specified in terms of disposition.

The VA has determined that the veteran's sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation, as it did not result in three or more incapacitating episodes of sinusitis requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment per year.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation and chronic back strain, result in his inability to care for himself without regular assistance. The Board finds that he is eligible for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis/sinusitis had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. Service connection for a respiratory disorder (including sinusitis, rhinitis, and hay fever) is denied as there is no competent medical evidence of current disability.

The veteran's low back disorder with radiculopathy, sinusitis, and bronchitis are all found to be related to his active service.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for septal deviation with secondary sinusitis was denied by the RO.

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

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's VA disability compensation is subject to recoupment of separation pay, and service connection for a deviated nasal septum is granted. The remaining issues are pending further review.