Sinusitis decisions — 2006

Service connection granted for hypertension with an effective date of January 24, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sinusitis. The RO must obtain all relevant medical records, including those from VA clinics in Nevada, Ohio, and Washington D.C., as well as any Social Security Administration disability determination regarding the veteran's claim(s).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with cholecystectomy, and allergic rhinitis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic rhinitis with deviated nasal septum and bilateral maxillary sinusitis have been denied. The veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for both conditions, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis is properly rated as 10 percent disabling, based on one or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

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

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted a 10% evaluation for pansinusitis throughout the rating period on appeal, finding that the veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for this rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are directly related to his active military service, with a current diagnosis dating back to 1998. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred during service.

The veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of the evidence submitted by the veteran.

The VA granted a 10 percent evaluation for sinusitis and found that service connection was warranted for the deviated nasal septum (postoperative). The cervical carcinoma postoperative condition is not at issue as it did not require continuous treatment.

The Board found that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The veteran's low back disorder is found to be service-connected, and he is granted a compensable rating for his left orchiectomy. The residuals of toxic gas exposure are not service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable rating for his hearing loss, low back condition, sinusitis, and headaches. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis warrants a 10 percent rating, as it is manifested by three to six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, a skin disorder of the legs, a heart murmur, and a lung disorder claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. Service connection was not granted for simple myopia.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension. The veteran was not diagnosed with sinusitis, and his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's status-post right hip arthroplasty, and this decision is now pending further action on his TDIU claim.