Sinusitis decisions — 2004

The Board denied increased ratings for sinusitis and pes planus, but continued the denial of a rating in excess of 30 percent for pulmonary tuberculosis (inactive, chronic, far advanced, artificial pneumothorax).

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for polycystic kidney disease with associated hypertension and maxillary sinusitis, finding that new evidence did not warrant reopening the claim, and concluding that the preexisting condition worsened during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and secondary service connection for a left shoulder disorder due to lack of current medical evidence of these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and disability manifested by blood in the urine, finding that there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for severe limitation of motion. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left maxillary sinusitis and left nasal polyp, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical evidence and determine whether a rating exceeding 30% is warranted for sinusitis with headaches from September 2, 1999 through June 26, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and assigned a rating of 10 percent, effective from the date of claim. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for erosive gastritis, major depression and anxiety disorder, and endocervical stenosis have been denied. Effective dates prior to July 21, 1995 for service connection and special monthly compensation were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have chronic sinusitis or a right knee disorder that is linked to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including notification errors and scheduling of a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disorder and granted it. The veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective September 4, 2002, and his perforated nasal septum is rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the lack of available service medical records. The RO is instructed to attempt to rebuild the claims file and obtain any prior rating actions, Board decisions, or other relevant documents.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a respiratory examination to determine if the veteran has chronic sinusitis. The issue of service connection for sinusitis will be reconsidered.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and extent of his sinusitis and cervical spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and migraine headaches, with a rating of 30 percent for migraine headaches.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic allergic rhinosinusitis had its onset during his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is new but not material, and thus, the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis remains denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative right inguinal hernia and chronic sinusitis are service-connected, while his claim for a postoperative left inguinal hernia is denied. The tension headaches have been remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected bilateral hypertrophic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis with turbinectomy, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found no persuasive medical evidence that the veteran currently has sinusitis, and thus denied service connection for this condition.