Sinusitis decisions — 2008

The veteran's death was caused by a cerebrovascular accident, pneumonia/sinusitis, atherosclerotic heart disease and congestive heart failure. There is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected condition.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 60 percent, which is below the threshold required by regulation.

The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral maxillary sinusitis, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran's maxillary sinusitis and bilateral knee conditions were evaluated, but the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claims were denied.

The Board denied higher initial ratings for hemorrhoids, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,Specifically, the veteran's hemorrhoids were found to not cause persistent bleeding or secondary anemia, thus not meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating. Her sinusitis was found to have less than three incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment and no more than six non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. Lastly, her allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for either a 10 percent or 30 percent rating due to lack of polyps and obstruction.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis were incurred in service, warranting a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinosinusitis is not related to his military service, including exposure to mustard gas. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue, gastrointestinal disorder, and respiratory disorder as there was no evidence of chronicity since service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for clarification of service-connected conditions and the need to evaluate VA medical care provided. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of death, including under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, a chronic skin disorder, and chronic sinusitis. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis and hemorrhoids were denied. The Board found no evidence of incapacitating episodes or significant impairment in earning capacity due to his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's migraine headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,Prior to March 15, 2000, the veteran was granted an initial non-compensable evaluation for sinusitis. From March 15, 2000 onwards, the veteran's sinusitis symptoms did not warrant a higher than 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current sinusitis and residuals of a back injury are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for sinusitis and eczematous dermatitis due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disability, bilateral hip disability, or sinusitis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability rating for sinusitis and service connection for neck, right elbow, right wrist, and right ankle disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and sinusitis have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims.