Sinusitis decisions — 2006

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have residuals of a perforated left eardrum and concluded that his sinusitis was not incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to inconsistencies in the analysis and inadequacy of the December 2003 VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for various conditions, finding that the evidence does not support a grant of these benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, prostate cancer, restless leg syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his active service or any incident therein.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee arthralgias, as well as an increased rating for sinusitis with postoperative submucous resection remain in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's maxillary sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6513. The evidence shows that his symptoms are primarily pressure and congestion in the nasal sinus area, occurring about three to four times per year without prolonged antibiotic treatment or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis/sinusitis and migraine headaches, but denied service connection for premenstrual syndrome. The veteran is entitled to a higher rating for Raynaud's syndrome.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a back disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to outstanding medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from April 1997. The other issues are resolved in the veteran's favor.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, and dismissed his claim for an earlier effective date for schizophrenia.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic costochondritis, prostatitis, a left knee disability, and a dental disability are denied. The veteran's claim for service connection for Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome is granted. His claim for service connection for chronic urinary tract infections is granted. His claim for increased initial rating for post-traumatic headaches is denied. His claim for increased initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is granted. His claim for a compensable rating for chronic rhinitis is denied.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or headaches to his service. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran died in December 1993. The appellant is entitled to enhanced DIC benefits as the veteran was rated totally disabled for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding his death due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a bone spur of the right hallux and sinusitis have been denied as there is no current disability found. The veteran's other claims are pending.

The Board found no current diagnosis of meningitis and concluded that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his in-service meningitis. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis and bronchial asthma do not warrant an increased rating as their manifestations are consistent with the current 30 percent ratings.

The veteran's right foot arthritis with heel spur is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of this rating.,The veteran's allergic rhinitis has been evaluated as noncompensable (0 percent), as it does not cause greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or headaches to his service. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied.