Sinusitis decisions — 2009

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as it was not incurred in or caused by the veteran's active duty and there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service. The claims for asthma, allergies (diagnosed as allergic rhinitis), and gastritis were remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, degenerative joint disease of the entire spine, ulcerative colitis, hypertension, and a disability as a result of vaccinations in service were denied. The claim for an increased rating for sinusitis was also denied.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that it was related to an injury incurred during active duty from February 2003 to April 2004.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, chronic neck and hip disabilities, bilateral tendonitis, bilateral heel disability, left ear hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic eye disability. However, it granted service connection for a skin disability due to in-service exposure to sunlight and chemical irritants.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and a right knee disability were denied as there is no evidence of current conditions related to her military service.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not support a finding of greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages or polyps.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability, gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia and esophageal ulcer, and sinusitis were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.