Sinusitis decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claimed conditions of chronic sinusitis, headaches, and depression are not considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing acuity has been no worse than Level I throughout the appeal period, resulting in a non-compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide copies of any missing service treatment records, and a new VA examination will be scheduled for his low back disability, rhinitis, sinusitis, left ankle fracture residuals, post-operative left mastectomy, and tinea barbae.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a nasal disorder (sinusitis and deviated septum) have been denied as there is no current evidence of such disorders. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected asthma, effective from the date of this decision. The criteria for a higher 100 percent evaluation have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a lumbar spine disorder, sinusitis, residuals of right or left ankle sprains, or onychomycosis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for sinusitis was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the old and revised rating criteria. The maximum schedular evaluation of 50 percent, effective from July 1, 1998, following one month of convalescence from surgery in May 1998, is the highest possible rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic osteomyelitis of the left lower leg, cellulitis of the left lower leg, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a chronic disability as a result of heat stroke have been granted. The claim for chronic sinusitis was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Hashimoto's hyperthyroidism and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a Travel Board hearing, obtaining medical records, and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's sinusitis has resulted in more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The Board finds that a 30 percent rating is warranted for his rhinitis (sinusitis).

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis with pharyngitis and tonsillitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation during the period from September 22, 1965, through January 13, 1992.

The Veteran's sinusitis and hypertension have been granted service connection, with the hypertension receiving an initial 10 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, and recurrent ear infections with tinnitus are not service-connected due to a personality disorder being considered a developmental defect.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have heat stroke residuals and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for compensable disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's sinus/respiratory disorder was not incurred in or aggravated during active service. The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings and compensable ratings for his lumbar spine disability and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of a claim to reopen due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's asthma condition is currently rated at 50% for the entire appeal period, and his scar, right back, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The Veteran has been granted increased ratings for his asthma conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's internal hemorrhoids, sinusitis with headaches, and tinnitus are not service-connected. However, the Veteran's major depression is granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to June 23, 2009.