Sinusitis decisions — 2002

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bronchial asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, ethmoiditis and pharyngitis, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and a left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis with sinusitis does not warrant a higher initial evaluation, as there is no evidence of more than occasional congestion or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis, which was initially manifested in service and continues to persist post-service, meets the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's disabilities, including anxiety neurosis with dizzy spells and defective vision, require the aid and attendance of another person to protect him from daily hazards. As a result, he is entitled to special monthly pension at the aid and attendance rate.

The veteran was granted a TDIU effective September 30, 2001. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement for this grant is May 19, 2001.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and chronic right ear infections with dizziness and tinnitus, as well as compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for disability resulting from VA surgery (thyroidectomies) for left and right thyroid goiters.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis have not resulted in greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or the complete obstruction on one side, nor is it productive of or associated with polyps. The veteran's chronic sinusitis does not manifest by three or more incapacitating episodes per year or more than six non-capacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left tibia/fibula fracture residuals, finding that there was no current disability for sinusitis and that the disability picture presented by the veteran did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for sinusitis from October 7, 1996 through July 24, 2001. The veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated as noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to his symptoms experienced during and after military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for sinusitis, including headaches and throat symptoms. However, prior to a final decision on this matter, the Board is undertaking additional development.

The Board has determined that the appellant's allergic rhinitis was incurred as a result of active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and allergy, as well as sinusitis. The veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that there is no current disability and insufficient evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and gastritis, finding that the veteran's current conditions are not linked to her military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic rhinitis with history of sinusitis warrants a 30 percent evaluation, reflecting more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The VA has determined that the veteran's initial rating for his sinusitis with cluster headaches is appropriate at 30 percent since December 11, 2000. The criteria for an increased disability evaluation have not been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected sinusitis, finding that there were no objective clinical findings to support such a rating.