Sinusitis decisions — 2006

The Board finds that the veteran's nasal allergies and sinusitis are service-connected, as they had their onset during her active duty. The other issues remain pending for further review.

The veteran's appeal involves three issues related to his service-connected right knee injuries and sinusitis. The RO has ordered a remand for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the veteran for VA examinations.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the veteran's current upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis, is related to his service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed low back, sinus, and migraine conditions. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for increase in tinnitus, propriety of combined rating for service-connected disabilities, initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis beginning August 16, 2002, and sinusitis. The right ear hearing loss prior to August 16, 2002 was rated as noncompensable.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis affecting joints other than the right wrist and right elbow, right arm adenitis, and sinusitis. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability or a link to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for joint pain of the lumbar spine and joint pain of the left knee. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for her service-connected sinusitis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board is unable to grant the requested increases or establish service connection due to a lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an appropriate opinion regarding whether the veteran's respiratory disorder clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service.

The Board found that the veteran's allergic rhinitis and sleep apnea did not manifest during service or are related to his service-connected conditions, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for seasonal allergic rhinitis had been received, and remanded the case on the merits. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant records, arrange for a VA examination, and readjudicate the claim.

The Board has found that the veteran's sinusitis, which began during her military service and persisted after discharge, meets the criteria for service connection.

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

The Board found that the veteran's sinus symptoms are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of sinusitis or an eye disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus and allergies (claimed as sinusitis) are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left ear sensorineural hearing loss disability, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability, and allergic rhinitis. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation in any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression, eating disorder, and pyelonephritis are service-connected. The chronic sinusitis claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during service or since.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO for additional efforts to obtain service medical records, as well as any relevant prison records. The veteran's flat feet claim will be reviewed by a VA examiner who will provide an opinion on whether there is a 50% probability or greater that the disability was incurred or aggravated during service.