Sinusitis decisions — 2010

The Veteran's lung cancer was not related to service and did not manifest until two years after his separation. His other service-connected conditions were not severe enough to prevent him from working. Therefore, accrued benefits for TDIU are denied.

The Veteran's rhinitis has been rated at 10 percent since the appeal period began, and no higher rating is warranted as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee disorder, COPD or asbestosis, pulmonary hypertension, vascular hypertension, and sinusitis. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, chronic bacterial sinusitis, and dysthymia are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to military service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, GERD, and stable allergies/allergic rhinitis are each granted initial compensable disability ratings of 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD, chronic rhinitis, and headache disorder are all found to be related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for allergies and a sinus disorder, as well as increased ratings for the Veteran's pilonidal cyst and residuals of nasal fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be provided notice of how to substantiate his claim on a direct basis, and the case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or sinusitis. The claim for increased rating of migraines remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a right hip condition, finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining verification of in-service stressors and exposure to herbicides, as well as VA examinations related to sinusitis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board has ordered additional VA medical records to be obtained and a new examination for the Veteran's psychiatric, hearing loss, and sinusitis claims. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and allergic rhinitis, finding that both conditions were manifested to a compensable degree within one year of service separation.

The Board has denied reopening of claims for service connection for right pterygium, bilateral hearing loss, otitis externa, and sinusitis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional action, including affording him a VA examination and reviewing his claims file.

The Board has granted service connection for seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and denied a higher initial disability rating for essential hypertension.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed allergies, to include sinusitis, are not shown by competent evidence to be related to his military service or to any incident therein and therefore denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis has been manifested by six or more non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, crusting, and purulent discharge, warranting a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that an effective date of July 15, 2002 should be established for the grant of service connection for rhinitis. The Veteran's claim is granted with respect to this issue.