Sinusitis decisions — 2008

The Board granted service connection for a skin rash, denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and direct or secondary service connection for a left knee disability, and remanded the initial rating claim for further development.

The Board granted service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis and sphincter narrowing/scarring, gastritis, and ulcer disease as secondary to the veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis.

The appeal was denied as the veteran's rhinitis and left ankle/heel disability were not related to his service.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development, specifically an addendum opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis caused or aggravated his nonservice-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The veteran's initial ratings for allergic rhinitis, herniated disc of the lumbosacral spine, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were determined. The rating for the low back disability was increased to 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for sinusitis with headaches and now claimed as migraines, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for sinus allergies/allergic rhinitis and higher initial ratings for hemorrhoids, tinea corporis eczema/rashes, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for periodontal disease, chronic sinusitis, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional heart disability and pulmonary embolism following a total right knee replacement surgery.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of the veteran's claims.

The veteran does not have PTSD, and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The appeal for service connection for allergic rhinitis with headaches, muscle strain of the back, and a bilateral ankle disability is being remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, D.C.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, sinusitis, and the veteran's knee conditions as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year of discharge. The Board also found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his left and right knee chrondomalacia.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him permanently bedridden, and he is not confined to his home by the service-connected disabilities. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board remands the appeal for a VA medical examination to assess the combined effects of the veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was denied because the evidence did not show that he had loss or loss of use of at least one lower extremity, which is required to establish entitlement.

The veteran's internal hemorrhoids, vasomotor rhinitis, and diastasis of the umbilicus muscles were rated at 0 percent. Service connection for breathing problems due to an undiagnosed illness was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and prostate gland disability.

The claims for service connection for a back disability and sinusitis are being remanded due to an inadequate medical examination.