Sinusitis decisions — 2003

The Board has granted service connection for left knee, low back, and cervical spine disabilities. Service connection was denied for sinusitis, skin disability (presumed fungal infection), right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss, and sinus problems. The medical evidence shows that the veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his maxillary sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on the current criteria.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left forearm and remanded his claim for a compensable initial rating for sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis-rhinitis and hemorrhoid condition do not warrant a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, otitis media, and chest pains.

The Board has remanded the case due to a recent court decision, and the RO should address the new evidence added since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, IBS, a psychiatric disability, and an upper respiratory infection (claimed as flu-like symptoms) on direct basis were denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those claimed as a result of undiagnosed illness. The Board concluded that none of the claimed disabilities were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis and Bell's palsy are service-connected. The chronic respiratory disability claim is pending as it requires additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for an upper respiratory disability, including chronic sinusitis, viral infections and sore throat. The claim will be reconsidered in light of all current evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's sinus disability, including rhinitis, as it is considered to be a result of his skull fracture sustained in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by hematuria due to injury or disease that was incurred in active service. The veteran's current asthma is of service origin, and sinusitis was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 20 percent, sinusitis with hoarseness is rated at 10 percent, and vocal cord disability warrants a separate 10 percent rating. The appeals for increased ratings are denied.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder, anxiety, major depression, headaches, or allergic rhinitis during service. The veteran's current conditions are not linked to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a significant change in the law regarding Veterans' Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The appellant's claim for a compensable evaluation for sinusitis is pending and will be reconsidered after compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have sinusitis or a disease producing hair loss on the ankles, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis, the highest available rating under current criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for myositis of the lumbar paravertebral muscles and rhinosinusitis, both currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's Tietze's Syndrome (Costochondritis) is currently rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board has determined that the current evidence supports a 10% rating for this condition, effective from December 1996.