Sinusitis decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate of pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected maxillary sinusitis, finding that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating under both old and new VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sinusitis. The claim is reopened, but it remains denied as not well grounded.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the service-connected chronic sinusitis, effective from the date of the receipt of the veteran's claim in July 6, 1994. The decision concludes that the veteran's condition meets the criteria for such a higher rating due to at least three incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected sinusitis is being remanded due to the failure of the veteran to report for a VA examination. The case will be transferred to the Philadelphia RO and a new examination will be scheduled.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the initial 50 percent evaluation assigned for PTSD was proper.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well-grounded and have granted them. Service connection is established for chronic sinusitis, but not for bronchitis or a skin disorder. The veteran's disability due to chemical sensitivity is also found to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and asthmatic bronchitis, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected major depression warrants a 50 percent rating, reflecting considerable social and industrial impairment.

The veteran's appeals for higher evaluations and service connection have been withdrawn. The claims for left ankle, right wrist, and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis disabilities are well-grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic low back disorder, chronic sinusitis, chronic left ankle disorder, fungus condition of the left foot, degenerative joint disease (arthritis) of the wrists, fingers of both hands, and elbows. The RO determined that these claims were not well grounded as they were not shown in service.

The Board denied an increased rating for tonsillitis and pharyngitis, a denial of an earlier effective date for rhinosinusitis, and a denial of an increased rating for rhinosinusitis. The conditions are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, Achilles tendinitis/plantar fasciitis of the left foot, and Achilles tendinitis/plantar fasciitis of the right foot. The appeals were based on service connection being established through the merits rather than a presumption or reopening due to new evidence.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis with associated central nervous system infection and found it well grounded. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right knee disability, sinusitis, and respiratory disability due to a lack of medical evidence supporting these conditions or their link to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking her current eye and respiratory disorders with her military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected maxillary sinusitis, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of the condition.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current kidney disease or sinusitis to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 2, 1991 for the grant of service connection for sinusitis.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been granted, with the exception of the evaluation for coronary artery disease. The left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are each rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, effective from June 26, 1995. The veteran's lateral epicondylitis of the right elbow is rated at 10 percent, sinusitis at 10 percent, left knee disorder at direct service connection, low back disorder at direct service connection, and gastritis at direct service connection.