Sinusitis decisions — 2001

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's status post hemorrhoidectomy, effective from the date of the decision. The increased evaluations for allergic rhinitis and tension headaches remain noncompensable.

The VA denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right elbow lateral epicondylitis and left elbow lateral epicondylitis are not service-connected, as they do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a direct link to service. The allergic rhinitis is also not service-connected because it does not qualify under the provisions for undiagnosed illnesses related to service in the Gulf War.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under either the old or new rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, variously classified.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural issues and incomplete evidence.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, hypertension, eczema, right middle finger fracture, and hearing loss. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increase in disability ratings.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his sinus disorder, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on frequent or severe symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated, and no ratings in excess of the current ones are warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis and an earlier effective date for a compensable rating for his deviated nasal septum with allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic neck condition, head injury, nasal injury, right knee condition, loss of teeth due to trauma, and sinusitis. The RO also determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension, arthritis of the right shoulder, rhinitis, and low back pain are all service-connected. The bilateral pingueculae were not found to be related to service. The urinary tract infection was also not found to be service-connected.

The veteran's seizure disorder is rated at 80 percent effective February 19, 1972.,The veteran's sinusitis is rated at 10 percent effective June 22, 1992.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for knee disorder, sinusitis, and tinnitus. The claim for an initial compensable rating for low back pain with sciatica was also denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various claimed disabilities due to insufficient evidence or further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to changes in the law, including compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claims are related to service connection and new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. The veteran's asthma was found to have existed prior to service, and the increase in severity during service is presumed due to the natural progression of the disease. For her allergic rhinitis, there were no polyps or significant obstruction.

The case is being remanded for additional development due to the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The RO must ensure all notification and development action required by the VCAA are completed, including obtaining relevant records identified by the veteran.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a deviated nasal septum and granted it. The issues of service connection for sinusitis, calcified primary complex with Ghon tubercle (claimed as pulmonary tuberculosis), and residuals for a right rib fracture are referred to the RO for further adjudication.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for chronic sinusitis and a chronic acquired psychiatric disability have been denied due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.