Sinusitis decisions — 2001

The veteran's service-connected chronic rhinitis is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for TDIU benefits in December 1994. The RO granted TDIU benefits effective September 30, 2001, but found that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis with retro-orbital headaches and allergic rhinitis, but denied the other claims. The veteran's PTSD was granted a higher staged rating from June 6, 1998.

The Board has granted service connection for all the claimed conditions and assigned each a zero percent (noncompensable) evaluation.

The veteran's sinus disorder, claimed as sinusitis, is found to have had inservice origin. The nose fracture residuals are currently manifested by subjective right ankle pain and mild functional impairment due to right ankle pain. Traumatic arthritis of the right ankle has been evaluated at 20 percent from June 18, 1982 to March 21, 1997, and no higher evaluation is warranted for this period.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for sinus and allergy disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied a TDIU rating, finding that the veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unemployable.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. The claims for hearing loss, chronic pain syndrome, sinusitis, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and a right foot disorder were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred in service, as evidenced by symptoms and diagnoses of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis during his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has remanded the case for further development due to changes in law and regulations, including the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's sinusitis condition needs to be evaluated based on recent medical records and a thorough examination.

The veteran's combined rating for his service-connected conditions is 40%, which does not meet the minimum requirement of 60% or more to be eligible for TDIU benefits. The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or retain employment, as he can work at home as a network marketer.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that he has chronic sinusitis. The decision on whether to grant a compensable evaluation for his hearing loss is pending.

The veteran's chronic lung disorder and sinusitis with allergic rhinitis are service-connected, with the latter receiving a 30% evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and other service-connected conditions were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms that warranted a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for reopening a right knee disability claim and service connection for sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis but remanded the issues of increased rating for cyclitis and secondary service connection for depression due to sinusitis. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any residual disabilities from his tonsillectomy for which a compensable rating is warranted under applicable VA regulations.

The VA determined that the veteran's sinusitis and asthma warrant initial ratings of 10 percent, with sinusitis receiving a higher rating due to more frequent episodes requiring antibiotic treatment. The decision also noted that the veteran had multiple surgeries for his sinus condition.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently evaluated as noncompensable, and his right thumb and wrist fractures are each rated at 10 percent.,Both the right thumb fracture and right wrist fracture do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a left foot and/or ankle disorder, low back disorder, skin disorders of the feet, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The veteran's pre-service fracture was not considered to have increased in severity during service.