Sinusitis decisions — 2005

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that it was incurred in service. The issues of sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a gastrointestinal disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure, and for rhinitis. The evidence received was deemed cumulative or redundant.

The Board found that a timely substantive appeal was not received as to the January 5, 1998 rating decision which denied service connection for headaches and sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent for DJD of the left ankle, a 10 percent evaluation for chronic maxillary sinusitis, and denied compensable ratings for hemorrhoids.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.