Sinusitis decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to failure of the veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis warrants no more than a 30 percent evaluation, as his FEV-1 was between 56 to 70 percent predicted. The disability does not meet criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis, but denied service connection for sinusitis. The appellant currently has tinea pedis that originated during his active service. However, there is no current evidence of sinusitis.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability and granted it. The Board found that new evidence supports the claim, including potential links between CARC exposure and pulmonary disorders. Service connection was also granted for presbyopia as an acquired right eye visual disability due to disease or injury incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a headache disorder and a respiratory disorder claimed as sinusitis. However, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder claimed as allergic rhinitis remains denied. The right foot disorder and left heel spur syndrome are also addressed.

The veteran's cervical spine and low back conditions are currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right wrist fracture, residual scarring from thyroidectomy, and chronic sinusitis were denied as there was no evidence of the required criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating codes.

The veteran's postoperative lumbosacral disc disease is rated at 40 percent prior to November 18, 2003 and at 30 percent from that date. Her maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis remains rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's TDIU rating was denied as his service-connected anxiety reaction did not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps and postoperative sinusitis is rated at 30 percent from October 1, 1996.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and residuals of hepatitis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has found that the veteran submitted a timely notice of disagreement with the assignment of the effective date for the grant of service connection for sinusitis, and thus must be issued a statement of the case (SOC).

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is not related to his service-connected rhinitis and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for rhinosinusitis and his claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound were denied due to insufficient evidence of incapacitating episodes or severe non-incapacitating episodes, and lack of evidence showing that he is permanently and totally disabled.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, eye disability, impotence, cramps of the lower and upper body, and hearing loss. The claim for athlete's foot was reopened but not granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, heart palpitations with left-sided chest pain, lumbosacral strain, sinusitis, left ear hearing loss, left fifth finger, tendonitis of the right knee, and migraine headaches.