Sinusitis decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a dislocated right shoulder, multiple upper respiratory problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and an abnormal 'cardio' test. The decision also noted that the veteran did not submit evidence of PTSD.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for chronic sinusitis, finding that the veteran's disability picture did not warrant such an evaluation based on his well-controlled condition and lack of incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

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

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and assigned a 30 percent rating for chronic bilateral maxillary sinusitis, effective from October 7, 1996.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis is well-grounded. The VA will provide further examination and development to determine if a compensable evaluation can be assigned for her cervical strain with muscle spasm and headaches, as well as whether she should receive a separate rating for her noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for defective hearing in the left ear, sinusitis, and fractures of the left knee. The claim for increased evaluation for residuals of fracture of the proximal left tibia is granted with a 10% rating, while the claim for increased evaluation for residuals of fracture of the left ankle is also granted with a 10% rating.

The veteran's sinusitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since October 7, 1996. Prior to that date, it was rated noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hypertension, bilateral knee disabilities, and sinusitis. The right wrist disability claim was not well-grounded. Service connection could not be established due to lack of a current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current disabilities from hypertension and sinusitis to his active military service. The claim for a rating in excess of zero percent for status post fracture of the right little finger was also denied as there was insufficient evidence to support an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded. The current evaluation of 50 percent for anxiety reaction is maintained as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry into service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and chest pain are not well-grounded, as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities involving dizziness, a bowel condition, sinusitis and gastroenteritis that can be linked to service. The veteran's pre-existing pes planus was not aggravated by active service.

The veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis is rated at 50 percent, the highest available under applicable schedular criteria.

The veteran's suicide by gunshot wound to the head was not related to any mental disorder during service, and there is no competent medical evidence demonstrating a relationship between his cause of death and any incident of service. The claim for service connection for the veteran's cause of death is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, residuals of fractures of the left tibia and fibula with left ankle dislocation, residuals of a fractured left femur, and residuals of a fractured nose are not well grounded. The claim for compensation for malaria is denied. The veteran's residuals of fractures of the left tibia and fibula with left ankle dislocation have been rated as 30% disabling under Diagnostic Code 5262.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence to support a finding of current stomach ulcers, an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, or allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying military service and obtaining medical records. The veteran's claims for increased ratings are also being reviewed.

The Board denied the appellant's claims, including his request for an increased evaluation for bilateral knee disability and his attempts to reopen previously denied claims for allergic rhinosinusitis, vascular headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to support these claims.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings was granted, with the effective date being April 29, 1998. The VA assigned a 10 percent rating for chronic vasomotor rhinitis with recurring episodes of sinusitis prior to April 29, 1998 and currently rated as 10 percent disabling. For recurrent left ankle sprain, the veteran was granted a 10 percent disability evaluation from November 10, 1997, up to October 1, 1998. The temporary total disability rating for convalescence following hospitalization in August 1998 is also granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.