Sinusitis decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic non-allergic rhinitis with recurrent sinusitis began during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder and chronic sinusitis with headaches, finding that there was no current disability and insufficient evidence to support a secondary service connection claim.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis with vasomotor rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it did not result in moderate crusting and ozena, atrophic changes; frequent incapacitating recurrences, severe and frequent headaches, frequent purulent discharge or any crusting reflecting purulence; three or more incapacitating episodes per year or six or more non-incapacitating episodes per year; or nasal polyps.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected sinusitis, eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The evidence did not support a finding of significant disabilities requiring daily personal assistance.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, fatigue, and eye disorder are presumed to have been incurred during service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Sinusitis is not considered a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for asthma, sinusitis, chondromalacia of the left knee, chronic low back pain, and acne with keloidal papules on scalp, earlobes and face. The conditions were evaluated as directly related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from VAMC Newington, Connecticut. The RO will obtain these records and then review the case on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case for further review due to procedural issues and the need for a new medical examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disease, degenerative joint disease of the knees, hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis, and sinusitis are not supported by competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sinusitis, bronchitis, and bilateral myalgias of the calves as secondary to his service-connected melioidosis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service injury or disease that would support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, sinusitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received since the last rating decision.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations of internal derangement of the left knee, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and sinusitis/rhinosinusitis were denied. The current ratings are 10% each.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it was first manifested in service and is the result of a disease or injury incurred in service. The veteran's other claims are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is not warranted due to lack of evidence linking his fatal conditions to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for chronic sinusitis, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, headaches, upper respiratory disability, bilateral foot disorder, and OSA. The veteran was also denied entitlement to special monthly pension on account of being housebound or in need of aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for migraines/chronic headaches, sinusitis, and a disorder manifested by arrhythmia as there was no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has established service connection for bilateral pes planus, tinea pedis, and eczematous dermatitis. Service connection was not granted for a gastrointestinal disability or sinusitis.