Sinusitis decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's right knee chondromalacia, effective from the date of the decision. The rating for sinusitis is also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right heel stress fracture, left heel stress fracture, sinusitis, PTSD, mood disorder not otherwise specified (claimed as depression), and back condition. The decision also noted that a VA examination of the feet was scheduled but the veteran did not appear.

The veteran is service-connected for multiple disabilities, including a right shoulder disability rated at 40 percent disabling. The combined rating of his service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board granted a 50 percent evaluation for sinusitis prior to December 1, 2003 and denied service connection for urethral stricture dysfunction and organic erectile dysfunction.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis with headaches and residuals of a left ankle injury are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. Additional VA examinations will be conducted, and the case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and sinusitis, finding that there was no competent medical evidence to support these conditions.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development and review.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities are rated at 10%, 20%, and 30% respectively, with the highest rating of 30% effective from August 1, 2005. The RO has granted all requested increased ratings.

The veteran's chronic sinusitis with anosmia and atrophic rhinitis is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for this condition, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, an increased rating for sinusitis, and an increased rating for acetabular degenerative joint disease with arthralgia of the left hip with radiation to the left groin are all denied. The Board found that there is no evidence showing a direct or secondary relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current respiratory disorder, identified as chronic bronchitis with areas of scarring and bronchiectasis with recurrent bronchiatic infections, is etiologically related to his in-service respiratory problems. The claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis remains pending.

The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board finds that his disability more closely resembles the criteria for a higher evaluation based on recurrent episodes of tinnitus.

The veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss in the left ear is denied by operation of law.,The veteran's initial rating claims have been granted, with a 30 percent rating assigned for his right knee disability.

The Board has denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding no evidence of their onset or association with military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim to reopen a left shoulder disability was granted, but the evidence does not establish that the current condition is related to military service.

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

The veteran's neck disability, degenerative arthritis of the neck, is not currently manifested and current neck pain has been present since a recent non-service-related car accident.,Allergic sinusitis with headaches and coughing up blood is not currently manifested.,Traumatic arthritis of the right ankle was incurred in active service. The veteran sustained an injury while on inactive duty for training in 1979.,The veteran's reactive airway disease with chronic bronchitis has been treated with daily oral inhalational bronchodilator therapy and is currently manifested by generally normal pulmonary function tests with the possibility of malingering.,Right great toe pain with gouty arthritis is manifested by frequent pain episodes, mid-level pain, a limp, use of a cane, and avoidance of walking up steps.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis and sinusitis do not warrant an increased rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.