Sinusitis decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a variously diagnosed respiratory disorder, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not support a finding that the current respiratory disorders were related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right great toe disorder, sinusitis, and granulomatous calcification in both lungs due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected chronic sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, but granted the initial ratings of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, bilateral athlete's foot, and favorable ankylosis of the right ring and little fingers.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected residuals of nasal fracture with deviated septum, and a separate 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The veteran's chronic upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis, was incurred in service and is separate from her service-connected bronchial asthma. The claim for service connection for sinusitis as a result of exposure to mustard gas is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (rated at 40%), hysterectomy (30%), history of avulsion fracture with fibromyalgia (20%), duodenal ulcer (10%), and residual scars from neck skin tag removal (noncompensable), result in a combined rating of 70%. The veteran is granted TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities, which preclude her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral antral sinusitis and service connection for a right ear disability, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and tinea pedis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for service-connected allergic sinusitis, as the evidence did not show more than three incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or six non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches, pain and purulent discharge.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis with headaches and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination regarding service connection for low back strain with degenerative joint disease. The veteran's left ankle disorder and sinusitis are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for sinusitis. The veteran's current diagnosis of sinusitis is not shown to be related to his active military service, as there is no evidence of chronic or continuing sinusitis in service or after service. However, the Board finds that ulnar neuropathy of the right hand is likely caused by the veteran's service-connected shell fragment wounds to the right humerus and grants this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical records. The veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, compensation benefits, and unemployability are pending.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for sinusitis, left shoulder disorder, and right ear hearing loss were denied by the RO.

The veteran claims service connection for upper respiratory disability, including chronic sinusitis and tonsillitis. The case is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss, but granted a compensable rating for his service-connected tinnitus. The claim for service connection for vertigo was remanded due to further development being needed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA examinations and the need for additional VCAA notice. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination of the veteran's chronic sinusitis.